Campbell backs Windies to seize advantage with big partnerships

West Indies opener John Campbell believes the opening Test against Bangladesh is evenly poised and has urged his teammates to build on their position with substantial partnerships on day three in Mirpur.

Campbell, who scored a brisk 54, said the visitors remained in contention despite losing four wickets in their first innings after Bangladesh were dismissed for 272 on the second day.
“At the moment, I think it’s a pretty even game. If we can get one or two more big partnerships, then we’ll be in the lead tomorrow. So, I mean, that’s the aim going forward tomorrow,” Campbell said.
The left-hander explained that conditions became more challenging after a rain interruption, with the floodlights having a greater impact and the ball appearing darker when play resumed.
He also felt the break allowed Bangladesh to regroup after West Indies had established momentum at the crease.
“The ball was a little bit darker and then, I mean, we had a momentum going before the rain break as well and then with the break, I think that allowed them to regroup and they were in better areas after we went out for the break,” he said.
Campbell adopted an aggressive but measured approach against a pitch offering inconsistent bounce, focusing on shot selection rather than allowing the conditions to dictate his innings.
He said he tried to remain positive and assess each delivery on its merits, attacking whenever the ball fell within his scoring areas.
West Indies closed day two on 134 for four, trailing Bangladesh by 138 runs, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 43 and Justin Greaves on 15.
The visitors will look to their remaining batters to produce the partnerships Campbell believes could swing the contest in their favour.