October 13, 2025 : The West Indies put up a strong fightback on Day 3 of the second Test against India, thanks to a brilliant century from John Campbell and a composed innings from Shai Hope, who is inching toward his hundred. After a challenging start to the series, the hosts displayed determination and grit, refusing to let India dominate as they had in the earlier sessions.
Resuming their innings at 85/2, West Indies batters showed renewed focus and discipline. John Campbell led the charge with an exceptional knock, bringing up his fourth Test century in style. His innings was a mix of solid defense and controlled aggression, featuring crisp drives and clever placements. He took advantage of loose deliveries from the Indian bowlers, rotating the strike efficiently and building partnerships that anchored the West Indies innings.
At the other end, Shai Hope, who has been in steady form throughout the series, played a patient yet fluent innings. Hope showed remarkable maturity, taking calculated risks and punishing wayward bowling. His partnership with Campbell was the turning point of the day, frustrating the Indian bowlers who had dominated the previous matches. The pair added over 160 runs for the third wicket, shifting momentum firmly toward the home side.
Campbell reached his milestone in the second session with a well-timed boundary off Ravindra Jadeja, removing his helmet to acknowledge the roaring crowd at the Kensington Oval. His innings of 112 off 189 balls included 14 fours and one six — a masterclass in determination and technique against one of the world’s strongest bowling lineups.
India, who entered the day with a strong position, found themselves struggling to find breakthroughs. The pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj was accurate but lacked penetration as the West Indies top order countered effectively. Spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja toiled hard on a slow pitch, but the disciplined West Indies batting neutralized their threat for most of the day.
Captain Rohit Sharma made frequent bowling changes in search of wickets, but Campbell and Hope’s steady stand ensured India’s dominance was kept in check. The bowlers tried short-pitched deliveries and subtle field changes, yet the partnership grew stronger with every over.
By tea, West Indies had reached 210/3, trailing India’s first innings total by 180 runs. Campbell eventually fell to a sharp catch at slip off Jadeja, but not before laying a solid foundation. His departure brought a brief opening for India, but Hope continued to anchor the innings alongside Jermaine Blackwood, who contributed a fluent 45 before being trapped lbw by Siraj late in the day.
Hope, unbeaten on 93 at stumps, is on the verge of his sixth Test hundred, playing one of his most controlled innings in recent memory. His composure under pressure and ability to rotate the strike ensured the West Indies stayed competitive going into Day 4.
India’s bowlers will look to regroup and push for quick wickets on the fourth morning. Ashwin remains the key for India on a surface offering slow turn, while Bumrah will aim to extract reverse swing with the older ball. The visitors’ fielding unit, which had been sharp earlier in the series, missed a few half-chances that could have shifted the momentum back in their favor.
Speaking after the day’s play, Campbell credited his performance to staying mentally strong and trusting his process. “The pitch was slow, and India’s attack is world-class. I knew I had to stay patient. It feels good to contribute when the team needs it most,” he said.
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja acknowledged the West Indies’ effort, noting that “they batted really well today. We’ll have to be disciplined tomorrow morning to get early breakthroughs.”
With two days remaining, the Test is finely balanced. If Hope can reach his century and the lower order offers resistance, West Indies could close the deficit and put pressure back on India. On the other hand, a quick flurry of wickets could swing the momentum once again toward the visitors.
The final two days promise an intriguing battle of patience, skill, and endurance. While India remains slightly ahead on paper, West Indies’ spirited fightback — powered by Campbell’s century and Hope’s near hundred — has turned this contest into a thrilling showdown between bat and ball.
Summary
John Campbell’s century and Shai Hope’s unbeaten 93 helped West Indies fight back strongly against India in the second Test, keeping the contest balanced after three days of play.