Hope and Campbell added 177 for the third wicket ©BCCI
On Monday morning at 10:39, anticipation turned into an unexpected challenge for the Indian team. What was thought to be an easy win transformed into a tough test for India’s bowlers, as West Indies displayed remarkable resilience. Despite their recent struggles in Test cricket, the team showcased their fighting spirit with two centuries.
While India could still claim a 2-0 series lead, they faced unexpected resistance from a determined West Indies side led by Roston Chase. For the first time in six Tests against India, the West Indies dragged the contest into the fifth day, reminiscent of their historic performance in Barbados 1997, though the similarities in target might be misleading.
John Campbell and Shai Hope put together a stunning 177-run partnership for the third wicket, holding off the Indian bowlers for over three hours and effectively changing the narrative of the match. A Test that seemed primed for a quick conclusion now had the potential to extend well beyond the anticipated timeframe.
Initially, Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to break through. Spin options like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav also found it difficult to penetrate the West Indies defenses as Campbell and Hope’s partnership frustrated them for close to 50 overs.
As the match proceeded into the fourth morning, India employed various strategies—bowling straighter lines, switching angles, and targeting rough patches—but to no avail. Campbell achieved his first century with a bold six off Jadeja, while Hope balanced caution and aggression throughout his innings.
Even after the impressive third-wicket partnership, the Indians faced additional pressure as Justin Greaves and No. 11 Jayden Seales extended the fight with a significant last-wicket stand. The presence of cricket legends like Brian Lara, Viv Richards, and Richie Richardson seemed to inspire the West Indies after their earlier defeat in Ahmedabad.
Despite the slow pitch that offered little to the bowlers, India’s stamina allowed them to remain competitive. They recognized the challenge posed by such conditions but remained committed to maintaining a disciplined bowling approach, which enabled them to capture crucial wickets regardless of the circumstances.
