In a display of grit and determination, the West Indies cricket team ended day three of the second Test against India at 173-2 in their second innings, still needing 97 runs to force India to bat again. Despite following on, the visitors showcased a commendable performance, with opener John Campbell remaining unbeaten at 87 and Shai Hope not out at 66, forming an unbroken 138-run partnership—the highest for the West Indies in Tests this year.
Earlier in the day, India’s Kuldeep Yadav delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium as the hosts bowled out the West Indies for 248 in their first innings, securing a 270-run lead. Captain Shubman Gill’s decision to enforce the follow-on initially paid off, with the West Indies losing two wickets before tea. However, Campbell and Hope’s resilient batting shifted the momentum.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the follow-on strategy, emphasizing the importance of testing the team’s endurance. ‘It may be a good thing to be challenged,’ he said, highlighting the value of fielding for extended periods ahead of tougher Tests.
The West Indies’ spin bowler Khary Pierre acknowledged the team’s improved application, stating, ‘This is the first time we have been able to win a session in the two Tests.’ He also noted the deteriorating pitch conditions, which could pose challenges for India’s batsmen.
Kuldeep’s five-wicket haul marked his fifth such achievement in 15 Tests, while Jayden Seales faced a 25% match fee fine for unnecessary aggression on the first day. India had previously won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs, setting the stage for an intriguing conclusion to the series.