After a six-year exile, John Campbell is back in the West Indies cricket fold — not as a fringe option, but as a key opener for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The West Indies Cricket Board announced its 15-man squad on November 13, 2025, for the three-match ODI series starting November 16 in Christchurch. The move comes after a disappointing 3-1 T20 series loss to New Zealand, and the board is clearly betting on experience, resilience, and fresh blood to turn things around.
Campbell’s comeback: A second chance at redemption
John Campbell, once seen as the future of West Indies opening, last played an ODI in 2019. His absence wasn’t due to injury alone — inconsistent form, off-field distractions, and shifting team dynamics pushed him to the margins. But now, at 29, he’s been recalled not as a sentimental pick, but because the selectors saw something in his recent domestic performances: discipline under pressure, clean striking against pace, and a calm head in high-stakes matches. "He’s not the same player we saw six years ago," said Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket for West Indies. "He’s more patient. More focused. And he’s earned this."> His return is a stark contrast to the omission of Brandon King, whose aggressive but erratic batting in the T20 series failed to deliver. King, once a regular in white-ball squads, now finds himself on the outside looking in — a reminder that in international cricket, today’s star can be tomorrow’s afterthought.New faces, new hope
The ODI squad also introduces two debutants: Johann Layne, the hard-hitting all-rounder from Trinidad, and Shamar Springer, the left-arm seamer whose 2025 Regional Super50 campaign saw him claim 18 wickets at an economy of 5.12. Both are products of the West Indies’ renewed focus on regional development — a system that’s slowly starting to produce players who can handle international pressure. Adding depth is Matthew Ford, the fast bowler who returned from a shoulder injury just in time. Ford’s raw pace and ability to swing the ball late make him a wildcard in New Zealand’s seaming conditions. His inclusion signals that the team isn’t just looking for bodies — it’s looking for match-winners.
Test squad unveiled: A blend of veterans and rising stars
While the ODI team prepares for Christchurch, the Test squad has already begun its own journey. On the same day, CWI named its 15-man roster for the three-Test series starting December 1 — and it’s a team built for resilience. Captain Roston Chase, 33, leads a side that’s heavy on experience. His vice-captain, Jomel Warrican, brings calm and tactical nous. The biggest news? The return of Kemar Roach. The veteran fast bowler, last seen in January 2025 against Pakistan in Multan, has been sidelined by recurring injuries. But after a successful rehabilitation camp in Antigua, Roach is back — and he’s not just here to fill a slot. At 36, he’s the leader of the pace attack, the guy who can bowl 15 overs in a day on a wearing pitch. "He’s still got that fire," said one insider. "And the younger guys? They’re watching him like they’re studying a masterclass." Also making his Test debut is Oje Sandells, the 29-year-old pace bowler from Jamaica. In 16 first-class matches, he’s taken 34 wickets at 37.08, with a best of 4 for 86. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent — exactly what the West Indies need on New Zealand’s slow, gripping tracks.Logistics and preparation: A tight turnaround
The schedule is brutal. The ODI series ends on November 23. The Test squad — including Campbell, Layne, and Springer — will join the main group in Christchurch on November 20, just days after their ODI duties conclude. They’ll play two two-day warm-up matches against New Zealand XI before the first Test begins on December 1. The Antigua training camp was designed specifically to simulate New Zealand conditions: green, seaming pitches, overcast skies, and high humidity. "We didn’t just train. We adapted," said Bascombe. "The bowlers worked on seam movement. The batters practiced against reverse swing. We’re not going there to make up the numbers. We’re going there to compete."
What’s at stake?
For West Indies, this isn’t just about winning series. It’s about rebuilding identity. After years of inconsistent selections and reactive squad changes, this is the most coherent, thought-out approach in recent memory. The inclusion of Campbell, Roach, and Sandells suggests a long-term vision — not a quick fix. For New Zealand, it’s a chance to extend their dominance. They’ve won 11 of their last 13 ODIs against the West Indies. But the Caribbean side, when focused, has always been dangerous — especially with a full-strength pace attack.Frequently Asked Questions
Why was John Campbell selected after six years?
Campbell was recalled after strong performances in regional cricket, particularly his ability to anchor innings and handle pace on seaming pitches — a skill critical for New Zealand’s conditions. His last ODI was in 2019, but his recent consistency in the West Indies Championship earned him the nod over more flashy but unreliable options like Brandon King.
Who are the key debutants in the squads?
In the ODI squad, Johann Layne and Shamar Springer make their international debuts. Layne is a hard-hitting all-rounder, while Springer is a left-arm pacer with excellent control. In the Test squad, Oje Sandells debuts as a pace bowler with 34 first-class wickets in 16 matches. His ability to maintain line and length on slow pitches makes him a strategic pick.
How does the Test squad differ from the ODI squad?
The Test squad is heavier on experience and seam-bowling depth, featuring Kemar Roach, Roston Chase, and Oje Sandells — all suited for longer formats. The ODI squad prioritizes power-hitting and aggressive bowling, with players like Shamar Springer and Johann Layne. Only five players — Campbell, Chase, Warrican, Hodge, and Hope — appear in both squads, reflecting a deliberate separation of roles.
What’s the significance of the Antigua training camp?
The two-week camp in Antigua was tailored to mimic New Zealand’s conditions: green, seaming pitches, and overcast weather. Bowlers trained with seam-up deliveries and reverse swing. Batters faced high-volume pace bowling. This level of specificity — rare in West Indies cricket — shows a shift from reactive to proactive preparation.
What’s the schedule for the Test series?
The three Tests are scheduled for December 1–5 in Christchurch, December 9–13 in Wellington, and December 17–21 at Mount Maunganui. The venues are chosen for their historically slow, low-scoring pitches — ideal for testing the West Indies’ newly strengthened batting lineup and seam attack.
Can West Indies win the Test series?
It’s unlikely they’ll sweep, but a draw or even one win is possible. New Zealand has won 10 of their last 12 home Tests. But with Roach back, Sandells ready, and Chase leading a more disciplined batting order, West Indies have the tools to frustrate the hosts. The key? Avoiding collapses in the first innings — something they’ve struggled with for years.