Day 3 Live Update: Campbell’s Gladiator Act Keeps WI Alive
The second Test between India and the West Indies in New Delhi moved into a tense phase on Day 3 as John Campbell again refused to wilt under pressure. With West Indies 60/2 and then 58/2 during a gripping morning session, Campbell’s resilience provided a glimmer of hope for a fading chase as India built a substantial first-innings lead.
Controversy and Courage: Campbell’s Retained Wicket
Washington Sundar had Campbell trapped lbw with a full, dipping delivery, the audience rising for a confident appeal. The decision looked nailed until Campbell reviewed and replays showed a glove touch before impact. UltraEdge confirmed the touch, and the umpire’s call was overturned. Campbell’s smart use of the review underscored the value of experience under pressure and kept the West Indies, at least momentarily, alive in the chase.
Scoring Spree and Survival Tactics
As the day progressed, Campbell’s counterattacks and occasional straight hits kept the scoreboard ticking. He cleared the boundary at least twice, including a long-on six that demonstrated his intent to seize control. The West Indies attempted to ride the momentum with timely boundaries, although India’s bowlers, led by the relentless spin of Ravindra Jadeja and variations from Siraj, kept the pressure high.
Key Moments: The Follow-On and the Spin Threat
India enforced the follow-on, signaling their intent to collapse the tail and tilt the match back in their favour. Jadeja’s over was economical, while Sundar’s attacking fields and accuracy caused regular alarms for the woefully short-stacked West Indian order. In one pivotal moment, Athanaze was dismissed by Sundar, a sharp reminder that even when the run-rate looks manageable, mistakes can prove costly in a follow-on scenario.
The Battle After Lunch: Campbell and Hope Behind the Wheel
With Tagenarine Chanderpaul at the crease alongside Campbell, the West Indies persisted through the afternoon session. Hope briefly joined the attack, and for a moment there were whispers of a breakthrough as a nick seemed to fly to slips, only for replays to reveal a different ending. The chase evolved into a test of temperament, with Campbell attempting to anchor and Hope seeking to ride the rough patches that Jadeja has been exploiting on this pitch.
Current Standings and What’s Next
West Indies find themselves at 248, trailing India by 235 runs with a significant amount of time remaining. While the follow-on has already been invoked and India has bagged a couple of crucial wickets in the final session, the door isn’t closed. If Campbell can stitch a meaningful partnership with Chanderpaul and the lower order can show composure, there remains a path to salvaging a draw or at least denying India a quick finish.
Why Day 3 Sets the Tone
Day 3’s events have underlined two things: the importance of reviewing when in doubt, and the impact a resolute opener can have on a Test match. Campbell’s refusal to back down, combined with disciplined bowling from India, has created a balance where the outcome still feels uncertain despite India’s lead. The final session will likely be decisive as India eye another volley of wickets and West Indies attempt to resist with grit and patience.
Bottom Line
As Day 3 closes, Campbell’s survival and India’s relentless bowling narrative continue to define a gripping Test. Fans will be waiting for the follow-on to be wrapped up and for the West Indies to show that pride, temperament, and a touch of opportunism can still tilt a result in the visitors’ favour.
