Emerging as the first West Indian, John Campbell scripted a historic accomplishment on the fourth day of the second Test against India in New Delhi. Opener to hit a century on Indian soil in more than two decades. Doing this not only cemented his name in the record books but also gave a battered West Indies batting unit new optimism.
Forced to follow on, Campbell batted with composure and perseverance during the second innings against a strong Indian assault. Following many innings of effort, his elevation to three figures came with especially remarkable coolness against spin under pressure. This century is beyond just statistics; it is quite relevant.
John Campbell’s performance is also the very first test-century by a West Indies opener. It is also the first three-figure score scored by a WI opener in India since 2002. No Caribbean side opener had broken the century mark in games versus India since Daren Ganga’s 135 in 2006.
Coming after 48 innings as an opener, Campbell also joins those who have taken the most innings to achieve a maiden Test ton from first place, a sobering reminder of his drive and tenacity. Smart shot selection, careful use of the crease, and sporadic aggressiveness when opportunities arose distinguished his knock. Campbell’s achievement offered a rare silver lining for the guests, already behind in the series. His century gave morale to a mostly unstable batting lineup and prevented the West Indies from going down by an innings defeat.
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Individual resistance often becomes a representation of character when a side is under pressure; Campbell’s innings did precisely that. This century can also be seen as a turning point, and it is also a time that rekindles faith in the abilities of the top order of the West Indies line-up. Cricketing purists will recall this as more than a statistical footnote; it might turn into a touchstone for upcoming openers bearing the Caribbean flag abroad.
