New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) John Campbell and Shai Hope delivered remarkable unbeaten fifties as the West Indies showcased their most determined session of the ongoing Test series, concluding at 173/2 in 49 overs and trailing India by 97 runs at stumps on day three of the second and final match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

Starting from 35/2 at tea, the final session was marked by a valiant response from a team that had faced significant pressure throughout the tour owing to their previous struggles. Campbell, achieving a career-best score of an unbeaten 87, and Hope, breaking his fifty-drought with an impressive 66 not out, formed a crucial 138-run partnership - the first century stand for the West Indies in Tests this year.

This partnership proved vital in steering the West Indies towards safety after being unexpectedly asked to follow on by India, who had bowled them out for 248 in the first innings, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s 5-82. From 35/2 at tea, Campbell and Hope displayed commendable grit and discipline, making it the first session of the series that decidedly favored them while showcasing poise against spin and pace.

Campbell was especially composed, balancing solid defense with timely strokes, while also being efficient with his sweeps that earned him 35 runs. Hope anchored the innings with a calm authority, accumulating runs effortlessly through the cover and mid-wicket regions. Their counter-attacking partnership not only frustrated India but also reinvigorated a dressing room that had endured tough days.

With the lead now under 100 and two well-set batsmen at the crease, the West Indies will aim to build on this momentum and compel India to bat again in the match. On a day when eight wickets fell in front of 15,500 spectators, Kuldeep exerted supreme control with his variations, picking up his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests on a slow pitch that provided little bounce.

The day unfolded with Hope and Tevin Imlach appearing comfortable until Kuldeep's impressive spell took flight. His wicket-taking spree began when he drifted a flighted delivery that outsmarted Hope's defense, knocking the off-stump. Kuldeep soon ended Imlach’s resistance with a delivery that turned sharply, resulting in an lbw decision.

Justin Greaves was dismissed while attempting a reverse sweep off Kuldeep, who delivered a brilliant leg-break that trapped him lbw. Mohammed Siraj became the first pacer to claim a wicket in the match when Jomel Warrican edged a full ball onto his stumps.

At 175/8, a quick end to the West Indies innings seemed imminent, but Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip showcased resilience with a 46-run stand. As the ball softened, the pair defended solidly, using their feet well to secure the occasional boundary for 15.3 overs before lunch. However, post-lunch, a lethal Bumrah dismissed Pierre, knocking off-stump for the first wicket.

Jayden Seales had a brief stint of fun with his defensive skills and securing boundaries through a mix of luck and audacious shots. Shortly after the new ball was introduced, Kuldeep beat Seales’ inside edge, trapping him lbw for his five-for. The last two stands by the West Indies yielded 73 runs, yet it was not enough to evade the follow-on.

After the follow-on was enforced, Campbell initiated his innings with two boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja, only for Siraj to claim the first wicket with a well-directed short ball that cramped Tagenarine Chanderpaul, leading to a stunning catch by skipper Shubman Gill.

While Campbell continued to score boundaries off Jadeja, Washington Sundar produced a magical moment, deceiving Alick Athanaze with a rip-roaring off-break that drifted past the outside edge to hit the off-stump just before tea.

As the final session began, Campbell lofted Jadeja for six before sweeping Sundar for four, with Hope also slog-sweeping for a maximum. Despite narrowly escaping three lbw appeals from Sundar, Campbell survived. His sweep became his go-to shot, bringing boundaries off both Sundar and Kuldeep, before lofting the latter to bring up his fifty in 69 balls, marking the first half-century by a West Indies batsman in this series. With the pitch not offering much assistance, Hope was able to maneuver and score boundaries against both Washington and Kuldeep, with a punch through covers off the wrist-spinner being particularly impressive.

Shortly after the final drinks break, India introduced Bumrah in search of a breakthrough, but he was rendered ineffective by Hope, who struck consecutive boundaries through mid-wicket and cover. After Hope celebrated the century of their partnership, he reached his fifty off 80 balls, achieving this milestone after 30 innings in the format. By the time stumps were called, the Campbell-Hope partnership stood as a testament to 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.