India’s Test match against the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium turned into a dramatic fightback after India declared their first innings at 518/5.
The Windies were forced into a follow‑on, trailing by 97 runs, and they faced a heavy test in Indian conditions.
John Campbell and Shai Hope answered the challenge. Their twin half‑centuries kept West Indies in the game while they were 173 for 2 at the close of Day two, setting up a tense third day.
Former West Indian star Daren Ganga, the JioStar analyst, praised the momentum the two players brought. “It’s great to see West Indian lads committing themselves to the cause,” Ganga said on Cricket Live. “Campbell’s solid defence and flawless sweep made the right choices. Hope’s style showed he can thrive here even after a long gap since his last fifty in 2021.”
Campbell’s 87 not out and Hope’s 66 not out were built on consistent strike rotation, letting the pair press India’s bowlers. Ganga highlighted Campbell’s blend of attack and defence and how he read the off‑stump well, balancing risk with caution. He added, “This high score shows West Indies can fight in Test cricket, and it’s exactly the spirit selectors like Anil Kumble are looking for.”
Crowds watched as India eased into a commanding position early. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill stitched a 129‑run partnership, with Gill finishing on 129 not out, to force India into a first‑innings declaration of 518/5. Key Indian bowlers, Jomel Warrican and Jasprit Bumrah, shared wickets across both innings but struggled to crack the Windies’ top order.
West Indians knocked off 248 in 81.5 overs on Day two. Despite a four‑wicket stand led by Khary Pierre (23) and Anderson Phillip (24*), India’s pace attack, featuring Kuldeep Yadav (5/82) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/46), put the Windies under pressure. Helmut Warrican returned with the best figures for West Indies, capturing 3/98.
The partnership that saw Campbell and Hope stabilize the innings will be a talking point as the match heads into the final day. The West Indies’ ability to retreat from a 97‑run deficit and build a competitive score demonstrates resilience—a quality that keeps India under constant pressure.
Key match facts
- India: 518/5 declared
- West Indies: 248 (first innings), 173/2 (end of Day two)
- Notable West Indies scorers: John Campbell 87, Shai Hope 66
- Notable Indian batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129*
- Key Indian bowlers: Jomel Warrican 3/98, Kuldeep Yadav 5/82, Ravindra Jadeja 3/46
The third day is set to decide whether the West Indies can sustain their comeback and put India on the defensive in this crucial India‑West Indies Test encounter.
Source: aninews
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