Published: Aug 08, 2016, 11:28 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 09, 2016, 10:49 AM (IST)
Whether West Indies’ fight back at the end of the second match at Jamaica was a one-off display of character or the beginning of the Caribbean team’s resurgence in Test cricket is something, only time will tell. But for the starters, the hosts will have to once again take on the might of the Indian cricket team, which will be raring to seal a series win at St Lucia. Roston Chase’s historic performances of 5-for and a century bailed West Indies out of trouble at Kingston, but West Indies’ inconsistency is deeply seeped, and both the teams will refrain from taking anything for granted. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs West Indies 2016, 3rd Test at St Lucia
India will know their five-bowler policy fell flat against West Indies’ determination on the final day at Kingston, with Chase leading the Caribbean fight back to which India had no reply. Going into the fifth day, with 6 wickets to snaffle in order to take an unassailable lead, India had the game in their grip completely but West Indies’ lower-order fought remarkably well to deny the touring side second win on the trot. ALSO READ: Why Virat Kohli should prefer Ravindra Jadeja over Amit Mishra
The Indian cricket teams of past have never won two Tests in a series in Caribbean, and this record stands against Virat Kohli’s team which looks well-set to break it. There is plenty of cricket left in this series, and the possibility of India making a 3-0 win is still open given West Indies go back to being mediocre and the tourists keep churning out special performances.
Murali Vijay has started training after recovering from the finger injury he sustained early into the West Indies series, and his availability will certainly make selection matters complex for India with KL Rahul slamming a fantastic century at Jamaica. And if the Indians decide to replace him with an inconsistent Shikhar Dhawan, it will certainly be no surprise. ALSO READ: IND vs WI, 3rd Test at St Lucia: Likely XI for hosts
However, there is another matter of concern which has been lingering on for quite some time. Cheteshwar Pujara’s lack of runs — despite spending hours at the wicket and facing lot many deliveries — is something which may be a hindrance for him to continue feature in the Indian playing XI, especially when there is a tussle at top-order and a certain Rohit Sharma waiting in the wings.
The bowling looks settled with India having enough options and combinations to keep toppling the West Indies batting. For those who feel Indian bowlers’ could do nothing to hand their team a victory on the final day at Kingston must know that rather that the tourists’ failure, it was an excellent show of batsmanship that handed West Indies a bail out.
West Indies have finally got rid of the non-performing Rajendra Chandrika, who has been replaced by 22-year-old Barbadian Shai Hope. This is the only change West Indies have made in their side.
Chase, who made his debut in the first Test and became the only West Indian player in his second appearance to slam a ton and grab 5 wickets — 50 years after Sir Garry Sobers’ feat — will remain the key player for the hosts. But if they have to turn the tide against India, West Indies will need runs from Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels. Having runs on board will give West Indies at least a glimmer of hope, given that their bowling has been less than ordinary so far in this series.
The second-placed India needed a 4-0 win over West Indies to propel themselves to the top-spot in ICC Rankings in Test cricket. But with a drawn Test at Jamaica, and Pakistan suffering a shock defeat at Edgbaston, India’s hopes have fallen flat. England look well-set to once again become N0. 1, and Kohli’s team will be left to do some more hard work to become world’s best Test side.
(Devarchit Varma is senior writer with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
