India eye a rare complete sweep against West Indies

They are in with a chance of making a complete sweep of the series.

 

By Dileep V

 

India’s innings win against the West Indies at the Eden Garden meant they are in with a chance of making a complete sweep of the series. Life has come a full circle for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team after they were outclassed and whitewashed by the English team couple of months ago.

 

This is a rare position India is in considering that it has been achieved in a three-Test match series only twice in their Test history. Not surprisingly, both the sweeps have come at home and at a time where they were virtually unbeatable under Mohammad Azharuddin.

 

The last of the whitewashes came way back in 1994, when Sri Lanka were steamrolled by Anil Kumble and Company. The first came against England a year before. The interesting part about the Sri Lanka series win was that all the three matches were innings victories. Huge scores were followed by clinical performances of the three-pronged spin attack of Kumble, Venkatpathy Raju and Rajesh Chauhan.

 

The 1993 England series is in a similar mould as the present series against the West Indies, where the team won the first Test by chasing and then had an innings victory in the second. The third Test was once again an innings victory – yet again masterminded by the spinning trio.

 

India’s clean sweeps in Test series (3 Test series)

 

Opponents	Year	Venue	Result
England	1993	Home	3-0
Sri Lanka	1994	Home	3-0

 

In a two Test series, India have a slightly better record of five outright series wins. All but one has come against either Zimbabwe or Bangladesh. Australia were at the receiving hands when they lost both the Tests in the 2010 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

 

India’s clean sweeps in Test series (2 Test series)

 

Opponents	Year	Venue	Result
Zimbabwe	2001	Home	2-0
Bangladesh	2004	Away	0-2
Zimbabwe	2005	Away	0-2
Bangladesh	2010	Away	0-2
Australia	2010	Home	2-0

 

What all these records show that India has not been brutal and that has been the difference in them staying at the top for a long time. Even at home where they were considered formidable, they kept losing odd Tests here and there, whereas Australia always went for the kill and won matches comprehensively, which is reflected in their record of winning 16 consecutive Test matches in 2001.

 

England knocked India off that perch quite easily as if brushing aside a new comer. Injuries apart the Team didn’t show the necessary commitment and fight in defending their crown.

 

Winning is a habit, unfortunately so is losing. India should go for the kill in the third Test than getting relaxed since they have achieved the series win. Far too often India have gone with a lethargic attitude for an inconsequential Test and lost it. A thumping win will be a morale booster and they will also carry forward the winning momentum ahead of a tough tour to Australia.

 

(Dileep.V is a Scouser fan, Sports freak, Movie buff, Laggard Quizzer and dreams of setting foot on Anfield one day)

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