Campbell makes immediate return to Scorpions setup
Published:Thursday | August 29, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
AFTER SERVING a 22-month ban, opening batsman John Campbell is set to make an immediate return to the Jamaica Scorpions setup.
Newly appointed chairman of selectors, Delroy Morgan, said based on conversations with Campbell, the stylish left-hander is in a good space mentally to make his return.
“Yes, I can confirm that he’s back in the setup. Speaking to him as the chairman of selectors, he seems to be in good stead. He’s ready, raring to go, and he’s looking forward to the return. I’m really looking forward to seeing him coming back into the fold and performing as he usually does,” said Morgan.
Campbell, in 2022, was charged with breaching anti-doping Rule 2.3 of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), which speaks to evading, refusing, or failing to submit sample collections. Campbell was originally slapped with a four-year ban but had it reduced to two following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
According to Morgan, the decision to have Campbell return was unanimous among selectors.
“It was a no-brainer because John, prior to the ban, was doing well for us. Therefore, it wasn’t an issue for myself and the rest of the selectors to bring him back,” said Morgan.
At the first-class level, Campbell, across 90 matches, averages 30.41, including 23 half-centuries and six centuries. Morgan believes that while it will take some time for him to get back into the groove of scoring runs, he isn’t worried about him returning to the top of his game.
“It will take some time for him to really get back in that feeling of first-class cricket. By extension, I see him going all the way back into the West Indies setup. He’ll play a critical part for us in the opening position because he has the potential and ability to score big runs. Bowlers around the Caribbean fear him, therefore, he’ll be able to navigate through the various channels and help the younger players to move forward,” said Morgan.
According to Morgan, the now 30-year-old Campbell will also play a critical leadership role in the team, which has struggled in the batting department in recent times.
“It’s going to be crucial because we’ve been struggling a bit at the top of the order from one to five. Therefore, I have no doubt that he’ll come back and grab it with both hands. He knows his role, and he’ll help out.”