West Indies Duo Achieves Historic Twin Centuries While Following On First to Match Dravid and Laxman in 24 Years

In a remarkable display of resilience, West Indies batsmen John Campbell and Shai Hope each scored centuries while following on against India. This achievement marks a rare occurrence in Test cricket, drawing comparisons to the legendary partnership of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in 2001.
West Indies’ Historic Performance Against India
After India declared their first innings at an impressive 518 for 5, West Indies faced a difficult challenge, bowled out for 248 in their first innings. This put them in a follow-on situation, trailing India significantly. However, Campbell and Hope showcased their skills, leading a spirited comeback.
Key Contributions From Campbell and Hope
- John Campbell: Scored 115 runs off 199 balls, marking his maiden Test century.
- Shai Hope: Contributed 103 runs from 214 deliveries, breaking a four-year century drought.
The pair forged a vital 177-run partnership, preventing their team from suffering an innings defeat. This match is notable as only the fourth instance where two left-handed opening batsmen achieved centuries in a Test in India.
Statistical Highlights
Historically, this marked the fifteenth occasion where at least two players scored centuries after a team followed on. The last similar occurrence on Indian soil was in the famous 2001 Eden Gardens Test, where Laxman and Dravid set up a formidable target for Australia after following on.
Record for Centuries After Following On
Team | Opponents | Number of Centuries | Centurions | Venue | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
England | India | 3 | Geoff Pullar, Ken Barrington, Ted Dexter | Kanpur | 1961 |
South Africa | England | 3 | Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla | Lord’s | 2008 |
West Indies | India | 2 | John Campbell, Shai Hope | Delhi | 2025 |
In conclusion, Campbell and Hope’s achievements not only highlight their individual talents but also the remarkable history of Test cricket involving significant partnerships after following on. Their performance against India stands out, further enriching the rich narrative of cricket heritage.