New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) John Campbell and Shai Hope delivered impressive unbeaten fifties, leading the West Indies to a commendable performance during their Test series. They concluded day three of the second and final match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium with a score of 173/2 in 49 overs, trailing India by 97 runs.

Having started at 35/2 post-tea, the team's perseverance was evident as they navigated a session without losing any wickets, showcasing a robust response from a squad that had faced considerable pressure throughout the tour.

Campbell, achieving a career-best score of 87 not out, and Hope, who ended with 66 not out, formed an unbeaten partnership of 138 runs—the first century stand for the West Indies in Tests this year. This partnership became crucial after they were asked to follow on, having been dismissed for 248 in the first innings, where Kuldeep Yadav claimed 5 wickets for 82 runs.

Starting from a precarious position of 35/2, Campbell and Hope displayed remarkable grit and tactical acumen, marking this as the first session of the series that decisively favored the visitors. They exhibited composure against both spin and pace.

With a blend of solid defense and timely aggression, Campbell effectively utilized the sweep shot while Hope anchored the innings, accumulating runs with ease through the cover and mid-wicket areas.

Their dynamic partnership not only frustrated the Indian bowlers but also instilled confidence in a team that had endured challenging days. With the deficit now below 100 and two established batters at the crease, the West Indies are poised to capitalize on this momentum and aim to force India to bat again.

The final session began with Campbell hitting a six off Ravindra Jadeja and following it up with a boundary against Washington Sundar. Despite a few close calls, Campbell remained unscathed.

His sweep shot became instrumental in scoring against both Sundar and Kuldeep, bringing him to his fifty off 69 balls, marking the first half-century by a West Indies player in this series.

Given the pitch's favorable conditions, Hope adeptly maneuvered to secure boundaries, with his standout shot through covers being particularly impressive.

After the last drinks break, India introduced Jasprit Bumrah in hopes of breaking the partnership. However, he was thwarted by Hope, who produced consecutive boundaries.

After the duo celebrated their century partnership, Hope reached his fifty off 80 balls, a notable achievement after a 30-innings drought. As stumps were called, the Campbell-Hope partnership reflected the enduring spirit within the West Indies lineup.

Brief Scores: India 518/5 in 134.2 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175; Jomel Warrican 3-98) lead West Indies 248 in 81.5 overs (Alick Athanaze 41, Shai Hope 36; Kuldeep Yadav 5-82, Ravindra Jadeja 3-46) and 173/2 (f/o) in 49 overs (John Campbell 87 not out, Shai Hope 66 not out; Washington Sundar 1-44, Mohammed Siraj 1-10) by 97 runs.