West Indies face a daunting follow-on as India tighten hold
The West Indies’ resilience is being tested on Day 3 of the second Test in New Delhi, with India’s dominant performance from Day 2 continuing into the morning sessions. After enforcing the follow-on, India hold a commanding position, with West Indies sliding to 60/2 in their second innings, still trailing by a substantial margin behind India’s first-innings lead of 260+ runs.
John Campbell survives a crucial lbw review
In a dramatic moment that could have altered the complexion of the game, Washington Sundar struck with a proposed full, dipping delivery that thudded onto Campbell’s pad and sparked a confident LBW appeal. The umpire’s decision was overturned after Campbell reviewed, with UltraEdge showing a glove touch before impact. The successful review kept Campbell at the crease and signaled his intent to mount a stubborn resistance against India’s spin assault.
Campbell’s counter-attack and steady rhythm
Campbell has refused to sit back, striking boundaries and showing intent to survive against the spinners. He clears the boundary down the ground for six and keeps the scoreboard ticking. The West Indies need steady partnerships as they try to stitch together a rescue mission against a team that has picked up quick wickets and kept the pressure on with varied spin and pace.
Hope’s cautious approach and a potential edge
Shai Hope enters the crease and shows moments of aggressive intent, yet a contentious moment emerges when he appears to nick a ball to the slips. Umpires lean toward the fielding side, but replays indicate the ball may have touched the ground after the nick before taking the catch. The decision keeps West Indies in the hunt for a fragile partnership, as India’s bowlers set up a testing spell during the late afternoon session.
India’s bowlers pace the collapse after tea
Indians, led by a penetrating spell from Siraj and a strategic move to bring Washington Sundar into the attack, have chipped away at the West Indies’ top order. With the follow-on enforced, India are looking to wrap things up before stumps, having already collected key wickets in this session. The scoreboard reads 35/2, and the visitors face a challenging road to recover from a potential collapse that could rush the hosts into final-session control.
Athanaze falls to Sundar; tense battle continues
Athanaze is dismissed by Sundar in a classic delivery that drifted and crashed onto the stumps. The fall of a wicket underlines India’s bowling pressure, while Campbell and Hope strive to stitch a more durable stand. The wind is in India’s sails, but the West Indies batters are digging deep to delay a result and keep alive the possibility of a pride-restoring chase.
Jadeja and Sundar share the bowling workload as West Indies dig in
Jadeja’s persistent spin continues to test the West Indies, while Sundar’s ability to vary pace and turn provides another angle. The batting pair is facing a barrage of spin from both ends, with short-leg and slips in place to capitalize on even the faintest edge. The session ends with West Indies precariously placed and India eyeing a potential finishing touch before stumps.
Current status and what to watch for next
West Indies are 60/2, trailing India (518/5 declared) by 212 runs in New Delhi. Campbell’s grit and Hope’s measured approach will be crucial if the visitors are to salvage a result from this game. India, with a thorough follow-on strategy and a stable bowling unit, appear poised to push for a decisive finish on Day 3, depending on how long the West Indies can withstand the heat of the spin-dominant Indian attack.
Live score snapshot
Live: West Indies 60/2 (60 overs), trail India 518/5d by 458 runs in Delhi. Weather and pitch conditions are conducive to spin, making it essential for the West Indies to play with patience and courage.
Final thought for Day 3 sustenance
As Day 3 progresses, both sides will be looking to optimize their strategies. India will seek to tighten the screws and capitalize on any minor mistakes, while the West Indies aim to build a stubborn partnership that can flip momentum in their favour and give them a glimmer of hope heading into the final days of the series.
