Gargi Raut in New Delhi
As West Indies led a fightback on Day 4 of the final Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, only close to 4,000 fans thought it was worth their time to watch the match in-stadia. On Monday morning, as the people of the capital rushed to their offices and the buzz of central Delhi echoed outside of the stadium, John Campbell 115 (199) and Shai Hope 103 (214) gave their team a reason to finish the series with their heads held high.
Campbell who had been at the crease for 273 minutes since yesterday, speaking to the media after stumps on Day 3, reflected on the day’s play, saying that “the match is still on”. He and his teammates ensured that with a fightback that stretched the game to Day 5.
The optimism carried into the next morning, as Campbell and Hope resumed their innings with the same determination. The pair extended their partnership through the first hour of play, adding a remarkable 177 runs off 295 balls before Campbell fell just before the lunch break.
When he finally got out, Hope was joined by Roston Chase and together they added 59 runs in 122 deliveries. Despite India’s efforts, a 10th wicket partnership between Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales stretched the game even further. Before tea, the pair added 50 runs and after it, another 29 runs before Jasprit Bumrah took the last wicket.
The West Indies’ fightback put India back to the crease, giving them a 121-run target to win. Yashasvi Jaiswal got out after facing only seven deliveries. Sai Sudharsan walked out but there were no signs of an aggressive approach. Sai and KL Rahul continued batting steadily as the West Indies spinners looked for a breakthrough. The body language of the visitors reflected optimism.
With 58 more runs to win and the duo of Rahul and Sai still at the crease; the final game between the two teams has turned out to be a real test of patience. Although cricket is an unpredictable sport, India are in a winning position. It is a matter of when not if, as the game has moved into Day 5.
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