West Indies 295/7 vs India, 1st ODI: Campbell says total 15-20 runs short
Synopsis
Justin Greaves smashed a maiden ODI century and John Campbell chipped in with 62 as West Indies set India a target of 296 in Thiruvananthapuram — but Campbell himself admitted the total was 15-20 runs light. Off the field, a 25% CWI pay cut hangs over the squad, making this knock an act of defiance as much as cricket.
Key Takeaways
West Indies posted 295/7 against India in the 1st ODI at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September .
Justin Greaves struck a maiden ODI century — 101 off 108 balls — despite battling shin cramps.
John Campbell scored 62 off 60 balls ; he and Greaves put on a 135-run opening partnership .
Campbell said the total was 'pretty decent' but 15-20 runs short of a truly commanding score on the black-soil pitch.
The squad acknowledged off-field noise from Cricket West Indies (CWI) announcing a 25% pay cut on central contracts, but vowed to focus on performing on the pitch.
John Campbell described West Indies' total of 295/7 against India in the first ODI at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September as 'a pretty decent total' — but acknowledged the visitors fell 15 to 20 runs short of what he considered a commanding score on the black-soil pitch.
Campbell and Greaves Lay a Strong Foundation
Campbell contributed a brisk 62 off 60 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, before departing. He combined with Justin Greaves for a productive 135-run opening stand that gave the West Indies innings its backbone. Greaves went on to post a fluent 101 off 108 balls, including 12 boundaries — his maiden ODI century — though he was visibly troubled by shin cramps during his knock.
Why the West Indies Fell Five Runs Short of 300
Speaking in a mid-innings chat with broadcasters, Campbell reflected on how the conditions evolved during the innings. 'I think it's a pretty decent total, maybe 15-20 runs a little bit short. But having said that, I think when the ball gets a little softer, it's a little bit more difficult to score,' he said. The West Indies ultimately finished five runs short of the 300-run mark, a threshold Campbell clearly believed was within reach had the momentum in the final overs been better sustained.
Campbell Credits Test Experience in India
When asked whether his prior Test experience in New Delhi last year aided his approach in Thiruvananthapuram, Campbell noted the conditions felt familiar. 'Well, apparently it's a good outing for me. The ball was coming out pretty decent to the bat, so I just tried to stay in the moment as long as possible and get in a strong position to play good shots,' he said. On the opening stand, Campbell was characteristically understated: 'I think it just happened. Justin had a really good start, so I just tried to play a supporting role as best as possible to get going.'
Pay Cut Controversy Off the Field
Campbell also addressed the off-field turbulence surrounding the squad, following Cricket West Indies (CWI) announcing a 25 percent pay cut on central contracts. The opener indicated the players had made a collective decision to block out the noise. 'Yeah, definitely. With a lot of noise around outside of the cricket, we just decided we just want to come out here and put on a good show for ourselves and make the people back home proud,' he said. The pay cut issue has cast a shadow over the tour but, at least at the crease, the West Indies showed resilience and purpose.
What to Watch in India's Chase
With 295 on the board, India face a challenging but achievable target. The black-soil pitch in Thiruvananthapuram, as Campbell himself hinted, tends to slow down as the match progresses — which could work in the bowlers' favour as the ball gets softer. Greaves' maiden century and a competitive total suggest this West Indies side, despite internal distractions, is intent on making a statement in the three-match ODI series.
Point of View
Once the ball softened, points to a recurring West Indies problem: strong starts not converted into truly match-winning totals. The CWI pay cut controversy adds an uncomfortable subplot; that the players chose to channel it into performance rather than protest speaks to their professionalism, but the structural crisis in Caribbean cricket administration will not resolve itself on a Thiruvananthapuram pitch.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was West Indies' total in the 1st ODI against India in Thiruvananthapuram?
West Indies posted 295/7 in the first ODI against India at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September. Opener John Campbell said it was a decent total but felt the side was 15 to 20 runs short of a truly strong score.
Did Justin Greaves score a century against India in the 1st ODI?
Yes, Justin Greaves scored his maiden ODI century — 101 off 108 balls including 12 boundaries — during the first ODI against India in Thiruvananthapuram. He achieved the feat despite being troubled by shin cramps during his innings.
How much did John Campbell score in the 1st ODI vs India?
John Campbell scored 62 off 60 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. He combined with Justin Greaves for a 135-run opening partnership that set the platform for West Indies' total of 295/7.
What is the CWI pay cut controversy affecting the West Indies team?
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a 25 percent pay cut on central contracts, creating significant off-field noise around the touring squad. Campbell said the players decided to block out the distraction and focus on putting on a good show for their supporters back home.
What is the pitch like at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram?
The pitch at Greenfield International Stadium is a black-soil surface. According to Campbell, conditions became harder for batters as the ball got softer in the second half of the innings, which he cited as one reason West Indies fell just short of 300.
