ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A renewed sense of purpose is beginning to take shape inside the West Indies camp, and opening batsman John Campbell believes the team is already moving in the right direction ahead of its upcoming One-Day International series against Sri Lanka national cricket team in Jamaica.
Now into the second day of an intensive high-performance training camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the regional side is attempting to establish a new identity in the 50-over format, one built on sharper execution, collective accountability, and long-term planning.
Speaking during an interview with Cricket West Indies Media, Campbell pointed to growing alignment within the squad as a major positive emerging from the early sessions.
“I think our session went pretty well this morning. We’ve had some plans in place, and I think the way we’ve been implementing them over these training sessions, we’ve had conversations before this camp as well about what we need to do as a team to get better. And I think that everybody has bought into it, and we’re heading in the right direction.”
More than preparation, a strategic rebuild
Team officials are treating the 10-day camp as far more than a standard pre-series gathering.
Instead, it is being positioned as the first major step in a broader 18-month mission aimed at reviving West Indies cricket in the ODI arena. The upcoming home series against Sri Lanka is expected to serve as an early measuring stick for that rebuilding effort.
Training sessions at Coolidge Cricket Ground have featured high-intensity drills, tactical simulations, and scenario-based exercises designed to sharpen discipline and decision-making under pressure. Coaches have repeatedly stressed the importance of consistency and precision as the team looks to establish stronger habits heading into competition.
For Campbell, however, the immediate task remains straightforward: focus on execution and avoid looking too far ahead.
“Well, obviously, every series matters. Every series carries a lot of weight. So for us, we just want to take it a game at a time. If we go there and execute our skills, then we should be good.”
Early momentum seen as crucial
While the long-term project may stretch beyond the Sri Lanka assignment, Campbell believes the foundation for success in the series itself will be laid from the opening contest.
The left-hander emphasized that securing an early advantage could significantly influence the direction of the campaign.
“I think once we can start well, once we can get a win in the first game, it will aid us in winning the series,” he said. “I think once we have a platform, then we could build on it throughout the series.”
That mindset appears to reflect the wider tone emerging from the Antigua camp, one centered on building confidence through preparation, clarity, and collective commitment.
As the sessions continue under the Caribbean sun, the West Indies are attempting to transform optimism into results, beginning with what they hope will be a statement series against Sri Lanka on home soil.
