Campbell, Hope Lead West Indies Fightback with Unbeaten Fifties Against India

New Delhi, Oct 2025 : Openers John Campbell and Shai Hope led a spirited West Indies revival with unbeaten half-centuries as the visitors produced their most resilient batting display of the series, reaching 173/2 in 49 overs, trailing India by 97 runs at stumps on Day 3 of the second and final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

After being forced to follow on earlier in the day following Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant 5/82, West Indies showed grit and discipline to frustrate India’s bowlers through an unbeaten 138-run partnership — their first century stand in Test cricket this year.

Campbell remained unbeaten on a career-best 87, while Hope rediscovered his touch with a solid 66 not out, ensuring the visitors ended the day without losing a wicket in the final session — a rarity for a side that has struggled throughout the tour.

West Indies Show Grit After Early Setbacks

Resuming their second innings after being dismissed for 248 in the first innings, the visitors looked in trouble early. They lost Kraigg Brathwaite (12) and Kirk McKenzie (13) cheaply, both falling to disciplined spells from Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar, leaving the score at 35/2 at tea.

But from there, Campbell and Hope displayed a level of resolve that had been missing from their performances so far. Showing application and patience, they blunted India’s spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sundar, while confidently tackling the new ball when Jasprit Bumrah was brought back for a late burst.

Campbell’s Controlled Aggression, Hope’s Calm Authority

Campbell, who mixed textbook defence with aggressive stroke play, appeared especially comfortable sweeping the spinners and using his feet to rotate the strike. He brought up his half-century in 69 balls — the first by a West Indies batter in the series — with a lofted shot off Kuldeep that sailed over mid-on.

The left-hander’s sweep shots against both Jadeja and Sundar yielded boundaries, while his quick singles and sharp running kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite surviving a few close lbw shouts, Campbell looked increasingly confident as the session progressed.

At the other end, Hope anchored the innings with a measured approach. He was particularly fluent through the cover and mid-wicket regions, finding gaps with ease and punishing anything short. His flicks off Bumrah and drives off Kuldeep stood out for their timing and elegance.

Hope brought up his first fifty in 30 Test innings, reaching the mark off 80 balls, and celebrated quietly as he and Campbell continued to build what became the most substantial partnership of the series.

India Struggle for Breakthrough

Despite trying multiple bowling combinations, India failed to find a way past the determined duo. Kuldeep continued to attack the stumps with his trademark drift and guile, but both batters negotiated him smartly.

Bumrah was reintroduced after the final drinks break in hopes of a breakthrough, but Hope flicked and drove him for consecutive boundaries, signaling that the West Indies were not going to crumble easily this time.

The pitch offered little turn or uneven bounce, making India’s job even harder. By the time stumps were called, Campbell and Hope had not only wiped away some of the deficit but also restored pride to a team that had looked down and out after the follow-on.

Brief Scores:

India: 518/5 decl. in 134.2 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175; Jomel Warrican 3/98)
West Indies: 248 in 81.5 overs (Alick Athanaze 41, Shai Hope 36; Kuldeep Yadav 5/82, Ravindra Jadeja 3/46) and 173/2 (f/o) in 49 overs (John Campbell 87*, Shai Hope 66*; Washington Sundar 1/44, Mohammed Siraj 1/10)
Trail by: 97 runs