Even after that unforgettable innings of 179 off 137 balls and a world-record opening partnership, John Campbell hasn’t played an ODI in the past six years.
That 137-ball 179-run knock and the 365-run record opening stand against Ireland in May 2019 marked his last dream performance in ODIs. Remarkably, he hasn’t appeared in this format since then. Now, the left-handed batsman has another chance to play in ODIs.
Campbell has been named in the West Indies squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, marking the biggest change in the team — his return.
After that record innings in 2019, injuries ruled him out, and he wasn’t included in the World Cup squad either. While he continued to play in other formats, ODIs remained out of reach. Recently, he scored a brilliant maiden Test century on India’s tour in Delhi, his first in 25 Tests. Now, at 32, he’s back in the ODI fold.
His recall has been fueled not only by his Test form but also by his strong domestic performance. In the recent domestic one-day tournament, representing Jamaica, Campbell scored 277 runs at a strike rate of 102.
To make way for Campbell, Brandon King has been dropped. Also missing from the squad are two left-arm spinners, Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, and left-arm pacer Romario Shepherd, who were part of the recent series against Bangladesh. Making their ODI debuts are pacer Johan Leine and pace-bowling all-rounder Shamar Springer. Leine has played only one Test, while Springer has featured in five T20Is. Matthew Ford also returns to the pace attack.
Three pacers — Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Zediiah Blades — remain out due to injury.
The three-match ODI series begins on Sunday in Christchurch, followed by matches in Napier and Hamilton. In the preceding T20I series, the Kiwis won 3–1.
West Indies Squad
Shai Hope (captain), Alik Athanaze, Akim Ogeis, John Campbell, Kacey Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Ford, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Johan Leine, Khari Pierre, Sherfen Rutherford, Jaden Sills, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
