John Campbell Hits Maiden Test Century in Delhi
West Indies opener John Campbell etched his name in cricket history on Day 4 of the 2nd Test in Delhi by scoring his maiden Test century against India. His remarkable 115 off 199 deliveries, including 12 fours and 3 sixes, gave the visitors a much-needed moment of pride in a series dominated by India. Ravindra Jadeja finally trapped him lbw in the 64th over, breaking a solid stand.
A Landmark Moment for West Indies Cricket
Campbell’s innings marked the first Test hundred by a West Indies opener in India in 23 years, with Wavell Hinds being the last to achieve the feat at Eden Gardens in 2002. He also became the first West Indies opener to reach the milestone against India since Daren Ganga’s 135 in 2006 at Basseterre.
Delhi once again proved a historic venue, as Campbell joined a distinguished list of players to score their maiden Test hundred at this ground. Legends like Viv Richards and Kapil Dev are part of this list. No other Indian stadium has produced more maiden Test hundreds — 17 in total, with six belonging to West Indies batters.
A Record-Breaking Knock with Grit and Style
Campbell brought up his century with a towering six, becoming part of a rare group of West Indies cricketers — Collins King, Robert Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, and Shane Dowrich — who reached their maiden Test hundreds in similar fashion. It took him 48 innings as an opener to achieve the landmark, second only to Trevor Goddard’s 58 innings.
At the time of his dismissal, West Indies were 212/3 with skipper Roston Chase at the crease. India had earlier enforced the follow-on after dismissing the visitors for 248. Campbell’s defiant knock slowed India’s momentum and gave the West Indies camp a reason to celebrate.
Jadeja’s timely breakthrough helped India regain control, but John Campbell’s maiden Test century in Delhi will be remembered as a proud and record-breaking chapter in West Indies’ cricket history.
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