Key Points

John Campbell achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his maiden Test century against India in New Delhi. His impressive 115 runs, including a spectacular six over long-on, ended a 23-year drought for West Indies openers in India. Batting partner Shai Hope remains unbeaten on 92, keeping West Indies' hopes alive in the match. The morning session saw West Indies dramatically reduce India's lead to just 18 runs, setting up an intriguing final day of cricket.

Key Points: Campbell's Century Keeps West Indies Alive in India Test

  • John Campbell breaks 23-year opener century drought in India
  • Shai Hope unbeaten on 92 nearing landmark
  • West Indies impressive morning session recovery
  • India facing potential second batting challenge
3 min read

2nd Test: Campbell makes 115 as WI reach 252/3 at lunch on Day 4, trail India by 18 runs

John Campbell's maiden Test hundred leads West Indies fightback, trails India by just 18 runs on Day 4 of second Test

"Campbell got his century in stunning fashion - a mighty slog-sweep off Jadeja going over long-on fence - Match Commentary"

New Delhi, Oct 13

John Campbell hit 115 – his maiden Test century – as West Indies continued their spirited resurgence by reaching 252/3 in 78 overs at lunch and trail India by just 18 runs at lunch on day four of the second and final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

Campbell's century is also the first Test hundred by a West Indies opener in India in 23 years, with the last being hit by Wavell Hinds in 2002. Though Campbell fell to Ravindra Jadeja after getting his first Test hundred in his 50th innings and his 177-run stand with Shai Hope coming to an end, the latter held fort to remain unbeaten on 92 and is eight runs away from reaching his century.

With the pitch slowing down, Hope has been well-supported by Roston Chase (23 not out off 34 balls), as the morning session belonged to West Indies, who added 79 runs for the loss of just Campbell. With the second new ball due in two overs, the post-lunch session promises further intrigue, as India now face the prospect of batting again after enforcing the follow-on.

The last time India were made to bat after enforcing follow-on came in the 2012 Test against England in Ahmedabad.

Campbell and Hope resumed their untroubled partnership on day four by collecting ones and twos to keep the scoreboard moving. They also held their own against a testing spell from Bumrah, who was getting the old ball to reverse.

The ace pacer managed to hit Campbell on the pads with a ball which kept low, but with third umpire Alex Wharf reckoning there was an inside edge, India lost the review. After the ball was replaced, Campbell and Hope motored along nicely, despite Jadeja threatening both edges.

Campbell got his century in stunning fashion - a mighty slog-sweep off Jadeja going over long-on fence, and celebrated reaching the landmark by removing his helmet and soaking applause from the dressing room.

He then slashed Mohammed Siraj for two boundaries, as West Indies went unscathed through the first hour. But after a motivational talk by KL Rahul in the drinks break, Campbell was dropped on 111 when the outside edge went between keeper Dhruv Jurel and first slip.

With three fielders in the off-side region, Campbell went for an expansive reverse-sweep, but was trapped lbw by a quicker delivery from Jadeja for 115. Hope continued to stand tall by punching Washington Sundar for four, before skipper Roston Chase clubbed and reverse-swept the off-spinner for six and four to bring West Indies' deficit under 50 runs. By the time Hope and Chase walked off for lunch, they ensured West Indies had another solid session in their favour.

Brief Scores: India 518/5 in 134.2 overs lead West Indies 248 and 252/3 in 78 overs (John Campbell 115, Shai Hope 92 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1-26, Washington Sundar 1-68) by 18 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Campbell's celebration after that six was pure joy! First WI opener century in India after 23 years - that's some achievement. But seriously, why did we enforce follow-on? Our bowlers look tired and the second new ball is coming soon. 🤔
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Arjun K
The dropped catch at 111 proved costly! Jurel should have taken that. Now we might have to bat again. Hope is on 92 and looking dangerous. Bumrah tried his best with reverse swing but luck wasn't with us today. 🏏
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Sarah B
As someone who follows cricket closely, I must say the West Indies batting has been impressive. But let's not panic - we still have the lead and the second new ball. Jadeja finally broke the partnership, that's positive!
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Vikram M
Credit where it's due - Campbell batted beautifully. But our fielding has been below par. That dropped catch and missed review earlier... these small mistakes are costing us. Hope we wrap this up quickly after lunch! 💪
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Michael C
Test cricket at its best! West Indies showing real character. Campbell's maiden century in his 50th innings - what perseverance! But India still holds the advantage. The post-lunch session will be crucial with the new ball due.
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Ananya R

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