John Campbell ‘s Resistance
West Indies, swept aside in the first test at Ahmedabad, appeared to be heading towards an identical fate in the ongoing Test in Delhi, till John Campbell decided to show some resistance.
Once a rich, flamboyant and robust cricketing edifice, the West Indies have crumbled into pathetic dwellings and appear not even a pale shadow of their glorious past. However, finally John Campbell and Shai Hope bucked the trend and showed some nostalgic spine.
READ Roston Chase To Lead West Indies in A 2-Test Series Against India
Made to follow-on by Shubman Gill after reducing the Windies to 248 in their first innings, chasing a mammoth Indian score of 518, the men from the Caribbean eventually displayed some fighting spirit.
A Staggering Knock from Campbell
John Campbell and Shai Hope put together a tremendous 177-run partnership to deny India another rampaging win. Campbell notched up his maiden Test hundred in his 25th test match. The hard hitting Jamaican put on a sensational display of attack and defence and though the pitch looked good for batting, the quality of the Indian bowlers made it tough for Campbell.
READ Australia Come Through A Tough West Indies Test
He cut, drove and reverse swept with great authority and showed dogged defence in his 199 ball stay on the wicket. With 12 fours and 3 sixes John Campbell scored 115 runs before falling to the risky reverse sweep off the wily Ravindra Jadeja.
Campbell’s Riveting Stats
Campbell became the first West Indian Opener to score a century against India, since Darren Ganga scored 135 in Basseterre way back in 2006 and is also the first Windies opener to score a century in all Tests since March 2023. In the backdrop of the above, Campbell’s effort is indeed a staggering one. And as I write, Shai Hope is nearing his 3rd Test century.
Eventually, West Indies have made something out of this Test Match. At least there is a contest taking place.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in