West Indies’ Unyielding Spirit: Campbell and Hope Counter India’s Dominance in Delhi Test

The setting: Day 3 in Delhi. India, having amassed a formidable 518/5 declared, held all the cards. Their spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, had carved through the West Indies batting lineup in the first innings, bundling them out for a modest 248. A significant lead of 270 runs presented India`s captain, Shubman Gill, with a clear choice: enforce the follow-on. It was a decision that signaled confidence, perhaps even a subtle challenge, to the struggling West Indies side.

Morning Struggles and Kuldeep`s Brilliance

The morning session had merely solidified India`s advantage. West Indies` overnight pair, Tevin Imlach and Shai Hope, who had shown a glimmer of resistance on Day 2, were no match for Kuldeep Yadav`s artistry. Given a new end to exploit the rough, the left-arm wrist-spinner delivered a masterclass. Hope, playing for turn that never arrived, was cleaned up by a ball that straightened deceivingly. Imlach followed, trapped leg before as he tried to flick a turning delivery. The procession continued, with Justin Greaves falling to another Kuldeep LBW and Mohammed Siraj rattling Jomel Warrican`s stumps. Despite a spirited 42-run partnership from Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip, the West Indies` first innings concluded at 248, thanks to Kuldeep`s well-deserved five-wicket haul.

The Follow-on Enforced: A Test of Character

With a commanding lead, Gill wasted no time. The follow-on was enforced, sending the West Indies openers back out to face a fresh Indian attack. The pressure was immense. History, in recent bilateral tours to India, was not on their side; West Indies hadn`t taken a Test against India in India to the fourth day in six attempts.

Initially, the script seemed to follow India`s plan. John Campbell and Tagnarine Chanderpaul saw out the first eight overs, but Chanderpaul`s patience frayed. A miscued pull shot off Siraj found Shubman Gill`s safe hands, bringing the first wicket. Six overs later, Washington Sundar`s drift and round-the-wicket angle proved too much for the left-handed Alick Athinaze, rattling his stumps and prompting an early tea break. West Indies were 2 wickets down, still trailing by a substantial margin, and facing an ignominious early finish.

Campbell and Hope: A Defiant Stand

But the tea break, it seemed, brought not just refreshments but a renewed resolve for the West Indies. When Campbell and Shai Hope returned to the crease, their approach had shifted. No longer content to merely survive, they began to counter-attack. Campbell, showing a rare burst of aggression, launched Ravindra Jadeja for a six over long-on. Hope joined the fray, finding boundaries against Sundar.

The partnership wasn`t without its dramatic moments. Washington Sundar, bowling with control, found himself at the receiving end of a series of frustrating LBW appeals against Campbell. One decision initially went his way, only for technology to reveal a faint glove spike, overturning the call. Twice more, India reviewed umpire`s not-out calls, only for “umpire`s call” on impact to save Campbell. It was a testament to the fine margins of Test cricket and, perhaps, the subtle interventions of fate. Sundar`s brief, disbelieving conversation with the umpire encapsulated the moment.

As the session progressed, the partnership blossomed. Kuldeep Yadav, brought back into the attack, was met with defiance, Campbell unleashing a slog-sweep for six and a straight drive for four to bring up a hard-fought fifty. Hope, at the other end, steadily built his own score, reaching his half-century and contributing to what became the highest partnership for any wicket for West Indies in seven Tests in 2025. Even the return of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah after drinks couldn`t dislodge the duo.

By the close of Day 3, John Campbell stood unbeaten on 87 – his highest Test score – with Shai Hope solid on 66*. Their unbroken 173-run stand for the third wicket had not only ensured the game would indeed go into Day 4 but had also dramatically reduced the deficit to a manageable 97 runs.

Looking Ahead

What began as a day of Indian dominance transitioned into a remarkable exhibition of West Indian resilience. Campbell and Hope`s defiant partnership has breathed new life into a match that seemed destined for an early conclusion. While India remains firmly in control, the fighting spirit displayed by these two batsmen has added an intriguing layer to the Delhi Test, promising an engaging battle on Day 4.