Campbell is very important to us – Estwick

West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick says Jamaican batsman John Campbell will be a very important piece of the puzzle for the regional side as they get ready to take on New Zealand in the two-Test series starting early next month.

Campbell and the rest of the West Indies contingent are in quarantine in a bio-secure environment in New Zealand preparing for the series which bowls off with the T20 series on November 27 followed by the first Test starting December 3.

Estwick, who spoke to the media via zoom conference on Monday said Campbell has been working on some of his technical flaws which were exposed during the England series in July where the left-hander scored just 84 runs in six innings at an average of 16.80.

"John is very important to us and he is a very talented batsman. You don't play two Under-19 World Cup matches for the West Indies and not be a talented batsman. We know John's ability and he started well in the England series in the Caribbean, however, he hasn't kicked on and John will know that", said Estwick.

International level

Estwick pointed out that the attacking opening batsman knows that he has gotten starts at the international level, but the time is now for him to kick on and start getting the big scores that he believes will give him more confidence.

"I read an article where Kraigg Brathwaite said he loves batting with John because they came through youth cricket together so there is a chemistry there. But now the chemistry stops and it's all about performance and making sure the team gets off to a good start", added Estwick.

Estwick said the team has been gradually intensifying their work rate day by day in a bid to peak come on December 3 r for the Test match.