Paul Reiffel’s Long Deliberation on John Campbell’s Wicket Leaves Indian Team Astonished

In an unexpected turn of events during a recent Test match, Indian players expressed their astonishment at umpire Paul Reiffel’s lengthy deliberation before declaring West Indies opener John Campbell out. This incident unfolded after Ravindra Jadeja managed to dismiss Campbell, marking a significant moment in the match.

John Campbell’s Milestone Century

On Day 3 of the match, Campbell, alongside teammate Shai Hope, formed a formidable partnership, leading the West Indies to a commendable total. Their collaboration extended over 150 runs, a notable achievement for the visitors, particularly given West Indies’ historical struggles in red-ball cricket.

Partnership Performance

• The 150+ partnership marked the first of its kind for West Indies in India since 2011.
• The last similar partnership was between Darren Bravo and Kieran Powell at Wankhede Stadium.

Umpire Paul Reiffel’s Controversial Decision

Jadeja’s breakthrough came after a lengthy appeal where Reiffel hesitated before raising his finger, despite the clear nature of the dismissal. Campbell attempted a reverse sweep but was struck plumb in front of the wickets by Jadeja’s delivery.

Historical Context of the Match

John Campbell’s century came after 48 innings, the second-most for a Test opener, highlighting the struggles faced by West Indies batters. Despite this achievement, the wider context of the match emphasized the ongoing difficulties of West Indies cricket in subcontinent conditions.

Key Statistics from John Campbell’s Innings

This achievement preserved Campbell’s legacy, becoming the seventh West Indies player to score his first Test century in Delhi. The match further underscored the challenges facing the West Indies cricket team, despite moments of individual brilliance like Campbell’s landmark innings.