Published: Aug 11, 2016, 08:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 11, 2016, 09:19 PM (IST)
It is often said, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. At times, when all the chips are down, a spark or a move can get things started and revive dull fortunes for a team. West Indies’ run in the ongoing Test series against India corroborates the belief. After a demoralising start to the four-match Test series, West Indies bounced back impressively at Sabina Park, a moment which probably infused the lost confidence and then put up a dominant performance at Gros Islet. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs West Indies, 3rd Test match
After bundling out India for 353 in the first innings, West Indies, only to stun everyone came out fighting and ended Day Two at a score of 107 for the loss of one wicket. Their batting wore a new look, and the poise was on a rise. It always had the firepower, and gave a glance of it on many occasions but failed to play as a unit. The second innings at Sabina Park bolstered their confidence, and they have now batted with utmost confidence since then.
Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood and Shane Dowrich displayed some elite quality of batsmanship and batted with some mettle to snatch an improbable draw from jaws of defeat. On Day Two of the third Test, their new opening pair of Kraigg Brathwaite and Leon Johnson walked out to bat and put up a stand of 59 runs. In fact, this was their first fifty opening partnership in 26 innings.
Brathwaite remained unbeaten on 53 and played with unrivalled girt. Leon Johnson would have considered himself unlucky after the direct him from KL Rahul brought an end to his innings on 23. He got a good start and looked good for a fifty to say the least. Also read: Hosts look to consolidate on crucial day
For the first time in the series, their most reliable Test batsman Darren Bravo looked comfortable and confronted 66 deliveries for his tally of 18 runs. Brathwaite placed his innings sensibly and showed temperament of a monk for his 53 off 143 deliveries. West Indies have certainly made amendments, and the batting which once looked bereft of oomph now inspires confidence.
Their top order was a matter of concern, as they haven’t contributed substantially but now have a golden opportunity in their hand. Marlon Samuels who has sparked brilliance sporadically will have to take charge and come out hard, as they have a solid backing of their young and potent middle order. Jermaine Blackwood has displayed a new brand of attacking cricket in the longest format, in last previous outing.
Roston Chase puts a huge price on his wicket and can resist a quality bowling attack like he famously did in the previous Test. Shane Dowrich looked technically composed and can get the job done if a platform is built. Also read: Does Virat Kohli’s 5-bowler policy veil India’s frailties?
For the first time in the series, West Indies have managed to bowl India out under 400 and have a massive opportunity in their hand to put India under the pump.
Test cricket demands temperament and ability to bid time at the crease, a quality which seemed to be wanting in the West Indies dug-out. But they have returned from the dead and improved on this front drastically. Their fortunes in Test cricket have certainly taken a beating, and this series could well prove out to be a turning point in their chronicle.
(Suraj Choudhari is a reporter with Criclife and CricketCountry. He is an avid follower of the game, and plays the sport at club level. He has a radical understanding about the subtle nuances and intricacies of cricket, and tries to express it through paper and pen.)
