Former all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin shared a remarkable observation about John Campbell following India’s seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Delhi, which secured a 2-0 series win for India. Highlighting positives for the visitors, Ashwin lauded Campbell for his impressive handling of Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling.
Ashwin noted that he had rarely seen an overseas batter perform against Bumrah so effectively in India. However, he added that Campbell’s feat might not get much attention due to his lower profile. Ravichandran Ashwin also emphasized that the West Indies have the potential to excel in the format, but they need more exposure and practice to do so consistently.
“In this Test match, look at how John Campbell made a superb hundred on day four’s morning, negotiating a brilliant spell by Jasprit Bumrah. I’ve never seen visiting teams, even from Australia, England, or New Zealand, play Bumrah’s spell that well.”
“He batted phenomenally, but it won’t be spoken about as much because he’s John Campbell. So West Indies have ability, and John Campbell has Test cricket ability, but they need exposure, they need practice, then they can match up with everyone,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Campbell’s 115 Shines As Ravichandran Ashwin Points To India’s Experience Edge
John Campbell scored a fine century in the second innings, hitting 115 off 199 balls with 12 fours and three sixes. Ashwin noted that seasoned players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill have toured abroad often and understand conditions well, unlike the relatively inexperienced West Indies side.
“Visiting spinners need to learn, but sometimes by the time they learn, the series is over. You first learn, then have to execute. I’ve spoken to many spinners who come for IPL, they ask what to do in India, keep the ball on leg stump, put side-spin. Many can’t do it though, it’s a different grip. You need time to learn, remove insecurity, adapt; there’s a lot that goes on from a spinner’s perspective,” he said.
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