India will be aiming to disrupt the burgeoning partnership between John Campbell and Shai Hope early on Day 4 of the second Test against the West Indies. The West Indies ended Day 3 at 173/2, trailing India by 97 runs, after India enforced a follow-on.
After a shaky start in their second innings, Campbell and Hope displayed resilience, forging an unbeaten 138-run stand for the third wicket. Campbell reached his highest Test score, surpassing his previous best of 68, while Hope scored his first Test half-century in 32 innings. Their partnership marked the first significant fightback from the West Indies in the series. At the end of the day's play, Campbell was on 87, and Hope was on 66.
India's bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and other spinners, will be looking to break this partnership and regain control of the match. Kuldeep Yadav took a five-wicket haul in the first innings, helping India gain a 270-run lead. The Indian bowlers will be aiming to exploit any signs of vulnerability in the Campbell-Hope partnership.
Earlier in the match, India had a strong first innings performance, scoring 518/5 before declaring. In response, the West Indies were bundled out for 248 runs. India enforced the follow-on, putting the West Indies back in to bat again. Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar took a wicket each in the second innings before Campbell and Hope began their partnership.
The match is intriguingly poised as it heads into Day 4. India needs eight wickets to win the match and claim the series. The West Indies, on the other hand, need 97 runs to make India bat again. The crucial factor will be the early exchanges between the Indian bowlers and the Campbell-Hope duo. An early breakthrough for India could trigger a collapse, while a continued partnership would bring the West Indies closer to their target.