India, led by their spinners, had dominated earlier. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (5/82) had set the tone with his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, dismissing West Indies for 248 in their first innings. While the visitors were expected to collapse under pressure, Campbell and Hope displayed calculated aggression. Campbell attacked Jadeja and Kuldeep with controlled aerial shots, while Hope, gaining confidence, also took on the spinners, muscling them for boundaries. Their intent forced India to adopt defensive fields, including long-on, deep extra cover, and deep square leg, which allowed the pair to farm the strike efficiently.
The pitch offered little for the bowlers, and fatigue showed in India’s spinners after long spells. Campbell, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes, and Hope, with eight fours and two sixes, ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. The duo’s performance not only saved West Indies from immediate disaster but also demonstrated that some batters still possess the skill and intent to play purposeful cricket under pressure.
Despite the series leaning heavily in India’s favour, this counterattack provides hope and a blueprint for the visitors’ remaining innings. With 97 runs still needed to make India bat again, West Indies head into Day 4 with renewed confidence and an opportunity to add runs and pride. For India, the final session served as a reminder to maintain intensity and focus, as lapses in fielding and concentration allowed Campbell and Hope to turn the momentum slightly in their favour.
