John Campbell marked his return to the Jamaica Scorpions lineup with a sublime century, while Javelle Glenn and Odean Smith added crucial half-centuries to guide the visitors to a solid position on the opening day of their fifth-round West Indies Championship clash against West Indies Academy at Coolidge Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

By stumps, the Scorpions reached 332 for 7, with Brad Barnes unbeaten on 44 and Jeavor Royal on four, as they aim to build on a strong platform when play resumes on Thursday.

For Campbell, it was a statement innings. After missing the previous match—a heavy 214-run defeat to Guyana Harpy Eagles—the left-hander returned to the fold and looked in imperious touch, as he crafted a well-paced 101 off 126 balls, laced with 15 boundaries and two towering sixes. It was his second century of the season to go along with two half-centuries, reaffirming his importance at the top of the order.

The Scorpions’ innings, however, didn’t begin smoothly. After opting to bat first, they lost Kirk McKenzie, who nicked behind off Jediah Blades for just four. Brandon King’s struggles continued when he offered a return catch to Joshua Bishop for 14 and left Jamaica in a spot of bother at 37 for 2 in the 19th over.

But Campbell, as he has done so often, steadied the ship as he partnered with Jermaine Blackwood (31) to add 67 runs for the third wicket. The pair blunted the Academy bowlers with composed shot selection before Blackwood’s stay ended when he played around a straighter delivery from Blades and was bowled with the score at 104 for 3.

Campbell then found a willing ally in Glenn, and together they pieced together the day’s most significant stand—a partnership of 89 runs for the fourth wicket. Campbell raised his bat for his eighth first-class century, a knock that embodied both patience and power. However, shortly after reaching the milestone, he miscued one from Ackeem Auguste and popped a catch to Teddy Bishop.

The Academy would have hoped Campbell’s departure would open the floodgates, but Glenn stood firm. His fluent 68 off 87 balls featured nine boundaries and demonstrated the kind of poise the Scorpions needed in the middle order. Glenn added 49 runs with Barnes before trying to force the pace against Kelvin Pitman, only to mistime his shot into the hands of Teddy Bishop once again, leaving the score at 242 for 5.

Wickets continued to fall, but the Scorpions refused to crumble. After Aldaine Thomas was run out for seven by Rivaldo Clarke at 254 for 6, in strode the explosive Smith. With his trademark power hitting, the all-rounder made his intentions clear, as he hammered a brisk 51 off 55 deliveries, including three fours and four massive sixes.

Smith’s counter-attack, in partnership with Barnes, added 71 runs for the seventh wicket and took the Scorpions past the 300-run mark. His innings ended in fitting fashion—another big swing, another attempt to clear the ropes—only this time he found Pitman to give Auguste his second wicket late in the day.

Barnes and Royal saw off the remaining overs without further trouble.

Auguste (2 for 45) and Blades (2 for 46) were the pick of the bowlers for the Academy so far, but they will need to find breakthroughs early on Thursday if they’re to claw back into the contest.