I never lost belief in myself - John Campbell
Published:Friday | December 25, 2020 | 10:22 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer -
West Indies and Jamaica opening batsman John Campbell is back home and reflecting on what he says has been a tough few months, following tours of England and most recently, New Zealand.
In a few weeks, Campbell could be back in action with the West Indies team when they embark on their third away tour in less than a year, this time in Bangladesh for three One Day Internationals (ODI) and two Test matches.
The left-hander could consider himself fortunate if he makes the trip to Bangladesh, having registered modest numbers on the recent tour of New Zealand where he scored 222 runs in four Test innings at an average of 27.50.
A last innings 68 in the second and final Test in Wellington may have prompted the selectors to continue investing in the St Mary native, who has represented the West Indies at all levels.
For Campbell, the New Zealand series was a difficult and eye-opening tour for everyone.
“It was a tough tour for us and I think we started too slowly,” Campbell told The Gleaner. “We took too long to get accustomed to the conditions and we weren’t as consistent with our execution as we wanted to be as a team.”
Pundits questioned Campbell's technical ability on the tour; however, Campbell said at no time did he doubt his ability, and blamed his low scores on poor execution.
"I didn't think I was out of form even in the innings where I didn't make many runs,” he said. “I think I started pretty decently, and maybe I was a little bit rushed because I was a bit tense, but I never lost belief.”
The Jamaica Scorpions captain said that his last innings of 68 in the final Test and the individual performances from Jermaine Blackwood proves that the team can perform at the highest level. Campbell is, however, aware that to improve he needs to stop rushing his shots.
“It is up to me to just continue believing in myself and be more relaxed at the crease and let my instincts take over rather than be tense and being in a rush to get to the ball,” he said.
Cricket West Indies Chairman of Selectors Clyde Butts is expected to name the West Indies ODI and Test squad for the tour of Bangladesh shortly.
The opening two ODIs have been scheduled for Dhaka on January 20 and 22, with the final game three days later in Chattogram, the city which will also host the first Test from February 3-7. The teams will then return to Dhaka for the second Test beginning February 11.