John Campbell’s Unbeaten 87 Powers West Indies Fightback in 2nd Test
In the second Test of the India vs West Indies series, John Campbell delivered a fine innings of 87 not out, rescuing his team from a precarious position and ensuring the match stretched into Day 4. His knock stands out as a beacon of resistance in a match otherwise dominated by India’s bowlers.
Match Context & John Campbell’s Role
Having been forced to follow on after India scored a towering 518/5 declared, West Indies were in deep trouble when Campbell walked in. The visitors had replied with just 248 in their first innings, ceding a massive lead of 270 runs. India looked poised for a sweep, but Campbell had other plans.
When Campbell entered the fray, wickets were falling at the other end, and West Indies needed stability more than flamboyance. He embraced that role with determination and composure.
The Innings: Measured, Yet Assertive
Campbell’s innings was a masterclass in balancing defense with attack. He faced 145 deliveries, struck 12 boundaries, and bided his time, carefully picking the right moments to score. Unlike many rescue acts that remain passive, Campbell mixed patience with aggression—punishing loose balls, rotating strike, and building a partnership that defied India’s dominance.
He formed a remarkable unbroken 138-run stand with Shai Hope, who scored 66 not out, for the third wicket. This partnership revived West Indies’ hopes and ensured they avoided an innings defeat—at least for now.
Campbell’s knock is now the highest Test score of his career, surpassing his previous best. In conditions that offered turn and bounce, and against a disciplined Indian attack, his feat is all the more commendable.
India’s Attack & Attempts to Break Through
Earlier in the day, Kuldeep Yadav wreaked havoc in the West Indian order, taking a five-wicket haul to bowl out the visitors for 248 in their first innings. He broke key partnerships and dented the momentum even before Campbell’s resistance began. He ended with 5/82. Supporting him were Ravindra Jadeja with 3/46, along with contributions from the pacers.
Facing those attacks, Campbell showed resilience. India tried variation—spin, pace, shifts in field—but Campbell and Hope held firm in the later sessions. India failed to take a wicket in the final session, conceding a rare wicketless period in a match largely in their control.
Impact & Takeaways
- Campbell’s innings prevented a rapid innings defeat and pushed India to bat again.
- His knock steadied a frail batting line-up and gave West Indies a fighting chance on Day 4.
- It also highlighted his growing importance to the West Indies side in challenging conditions.