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West Indies opener John Campbell produced a magnificent display of grit and stroke play on Day 4 of the Delhi Test against India, registering his maiden Test century in style. Battling under pressure after a massive first-innings deficit, Campbell’s 115-run knock stood tall as one of the most resilient innings by a visiting opener in recent times. His ton not only stabilized West Indies’ innings but also revived hopes of saving the Test match. Displaying composure against India’s high-quality spin attack, Campbell proved his mettle with a near-perfect blend of caution and aggression. His innings has now etched his name in West Indies’ Test history books.
John Campbell scripts history with his maiden hundred during Delhi Test vs India
Campbell’s century carried immense historical significance for West Indies cricket. With his fluent 115 off 199 deliveries, including 12 fours and three sixes, he became the first Caribbean opener to score a Test hundred in India since Wavell Hinds’ ton at Eden Gardens in 2002 — ending a 23-year drought. Moreover, he also became the first West Indies opener in 19 years to score a Test century against India, following Darren Ganga’s 2006 effort in Basseterre. His 177-run partnership with Shai Hope was the turning point, as they blunted India’s attack with discipline and intent. Campbell’s celebration after reaching the landmark spoke volumes about his relief and pride.
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill takes a sensational catch to dismiss Tagenarine Chanderpaul on Day 3 of the Delhi Test
A long-awaited maiden hundred that marks a new beginning
It took 48 innings for Campbell to finally reach the three-figure mark in Test cricket, making him the second-slowest opener ever to score his first Test century, behind South Africa’s Trevor Goddard (58 innings). Yet, the wait made it sweeter. Before this knock, Campbell’s career was marked by flashes of potential but inconsistent results. This innings not only showcased his technical adjustments but also his mental maturity under pressure. Against India, he left the ball better, rotated the strike efficiently, and punished loose deliveries with authority. He eventual got out after scoring 115 runs after being lbw by Ravindra Jadeja. This century, his first in international cricket, could very well mark the start of a more consistent phase in his career, one that West Indies desperately need from their top order.
Here’s how fans reacted:
WEST INDIES ARE BACK!
JOHN CAMPBELL HUNDRED.
— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket)
John Campbell 👏🏻
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_)
A maiden Test hundred after 25 matches! So happy for John Campbell. Great innings when his team was starting down the barrell of another heavy defeat.
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog)
Brilliant Test 100 by John Campbell
Players exceeding their limitations&outperforming above their level are my favourite type of cricketersCampbell is not a player to have hit a 100 in IND but this is the best part about Tests-when tremendous performance occurs
— Samrossann (@SAMROSSANN)
A maiden Test CENTURY to John Campbell 🏏💪🏼🎉
Congratulations John. Very well played 👏🏼
— WIPA (@wiplayers)
: Congrats Campbell fr ur 100, well played .. enjoyed watching it live especially when the century was completed via a six !!
— Nishant (@NishantTweets30)
Last two Test hundreds by a West Indies opener against India:
135 – Darren Ganga, Basseterre, 2006
100* – John Campbell, Delhi, 2025It came after 19 years. 🤯
— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45)
John Campbell 1st WI Batter with a 100 this series
— Aaryan (@SquadSadda32936)
John Campbell. What an innings. A century in India vs India does matter. Well played 👏
— VIKASH KUMAR (@vkc1000)
End of John Campbell's fine knock 🙌
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj cleans up Jomel Warrican with a stunning delivery on Day 3 of the Delhi Test
