Published: Jul 23, 2016, 02:07 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 23, 2016, 02:37 PM (IST)
As India post challenging target in the first Test against West Indies, bowling coach Roddy Estwick says the series is going to be tough for the hosts. Test skipper Virat Kohli declared India’s innings at 566 for 8 wickets. Kohli himself scored a double ton while important contribution came from Shikhar Dhawan (84) and Ravichandran Ashwin (113). Roddick, while praising India for their batting, mentioned that most of the West Indies pace bowlers are still in the learning phase and lack experience which in turn will result as a challenge for them to face a full-fledged Indian team. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs West Indies 2016, 1st Test at Antigua
Talking to Cricbuzz, Roddick said, “it is a good wicket for batting but also we must bear in mind that as a bowling attack we have lost Jerome Taylor to retirement and we have lost Kemar Roach who has not been selected and when you look at our bowling attack, between them it is about 40-45 Tests between them. So the current bowlers are still learning the art of fast bowling and trying to get the combinations right. So it is going to be a long struggle. And remember that Indian are a very good batting side as well. So it will be a tough series for us and we will continue to work hard and continue to stay disciplined and try and stay focussed as possible.”
“Once Kohli was at the wicket, it was very difficult to attack. If you look at how he was playing he was scoring at a-run-a-ball and scoring freely. With containing you have a job to do and chase is in his first test match, Carlos Brathwaite who has only played 3 Tests, Holder in his 15th Test. We are still learning as young players. I heard a couple weeks ago England lamenting the loss of Jimmy Anderson, yet they have Stuart Broad with 99 Tests. So with a bowling unit it takes time and you have to be patient with a very young attack. And we are playing against a very good Indian batting line up on a pitch that is very good as well,” he added.
