India floors WI

Few years ago, after winning the toss, India would have sent the opposition in without any hesitation on these surfaces. The idea is not to give the bowlers the necessary advantage but to save their batsmen from being exposed on juicy wickets. Today India was compelled to pick two spinners in the lineup and decided to bat first. This way the batsmen were forced to face the music so as the spinners can enjoy the advantage of wear and tear on the wicket. A sea change of positive approach. Kudos to Dhoni & Co for standing tall to save the hopes of millions fans. 

After a disappointing show with the bat, India came back strongly to cast the magic with the ball. Praveen Kumar turned to be the surprise weapon in the arsenal, completely floored the WI batsmen by swinging the ball both ways. In this process he stepped into the danger area for the third time shortly after lunch only to be evicted from the attack for the rest of the innings. What a strange way of allowing opponents to sneak back into the game? Anyways it did not cost too much for India this time.

So what do these bowling coaches do? Are they not supposed to take care of the foot landing issues during practice sessions?

WI Camp

If not for a century in the second innings, Brendon Nash can forget playing any role in remaining part of the series. By all means the allrounder Russell or batsmen Samuels or even bowler Roach could add more value to the lineup ahead of him. Did I include Sammy to the list? Never mind, he must be already furious at himself for dropping Dravid at 6. 

So many inexperienced batsmen in both the sides, all the matches are likely to produce results except for Mother Nature intervention.

Bottom line: Does not look like this Test is going anywhere near 5^th Day. With so much of turn complimented with bounce, India should have the last laugh.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover