West Indies opener John Campbell registered his maiden Test century in a brilliant display of patience and stroke play on the fourth day of the Delhi Test against India. Struggling under pressure after a heavy first innings defeat, Campbell’s innings of 115 was one of the most resilient innings by a visiting opener in recent times. His century not only stabilized the West Indies innings but also gave hope of saving the Test match. Showing composure against India’s high-quality spin attack, Campbell proved his mettle with almost the perfect blend of caution and aggression. His innings has now registered his name in the West Indies Test history books.
John Campbell creates history with his maiden century during Delhi Test vs India
John Campbell’s century holds immense historical significance for West Indies cricket. With his fluent innings of 115 off 199 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes, he became the first Caribbean opening batsman to score a Test century in India since Wavell Hinds’ century at the Eden Gardens in 2002 – ending a 23-year drought. Additionally, he also became the first West Indies opening batsman in 19 years to score a Test century against India, since Darren Ganga’s effort in 2006 at Basseterre. His 177-run partnership with Shai Hope was the turning point, as they blunted the Indian attack with discipline and intent. Campbell’s celebration after reaching this historic site speaks volumes for his relief and pride. Reflecting on his innings afterwards, he said, “It’s been a long wait, but to do it against a world-class bowling lineup here in India means everything.”
The long-awaited first century 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 opening batsman to score his maiden Test century after South Africa’s Trevor Goddard (58 innings). Still, the wait made it sweeter. Before this knock, Campbell’s career was marked by glimpses of potential but inconsistent results. This innings not only demonstrated his technical adjustment but also his mental maturity under pressure. Against India, he left the ball better, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose balls with authority. Ultimately, after scoring 111 runs, he was out LBW on the ball of Ravindra Jadeja. This century, his first in international cricket, could mark the beginning of a more sustained phase in his career, which the West Indies desperately need from their top order.
Here’s how fans reacted:
West Indies is back!
John Campbell St. pic.twitter.com/TnSKK4JBj4
– Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) 13 October 2025
John Campbell 👏🏻#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/fDa5eVQlf9
– Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) 13 October 2025
First test century after 25 matches! So happy for John Campbell. Brilliant innings when his team was going through another heavy defeat.#INDvWI
– Cricblog ✍ (@cric_blog) 13 October 2025
The Great Taste 100 by John Campbell
Players who push their limits and perform beyond their standards are my favorite type of cricketers.Campbell is not the first to score a 100 in India, but that’s the best thing about Tests – when tremendous performances happen #INDvWI
– Samrossan (@SAMROSSANN) 13 October 2025
John Campbell’s first test century
Congratulations John. very well played 👏🏼#WIPlayers #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/LUAlOcFmvC
– WIPA (@wiplayers) 13 October 2025
#INDvsWI #INDvWI:Congratulations Campbell on your 100, well played.. Enjoyed watching it live, especially when the century was completed with a six!! pic.twitter.com/qbctMMYZxL
– Nishant (@NishantTweets30) 13 October 2025
Last two Test centuries by a West Indies opener against India:
135 – Darren Ganga, Basseterre, 2006
100* – John Campbell, Delhi, 2025This came after 19 years. pic.twitter.com/zTGznPhIK9
– All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45) 13 October 2025
John Campbell first West Indies batsman with 100 in this series #INDvWI #testcricket pic.twitter.com/jLFaejjGPN
– Aryan (@SquadSadda32936) 13 October 2025
John Campbell. What an innings. A century matters in India vs India. Well played👏 pic.twitter.com/iLq6IPGuWZ
– Vikas Kumar (@vkc1000) 13 October 2025
End of John Campbell’s excellent innings 🙌#Cricket #INDvsWI #johncampbell #westindiescricket pic.twitter.com/leBj7E1vdW
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 13 October 2025
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