Teams seek confidence boosters before test series (Preview)

Finally, there was some joy for West Indies on a cricket field. Despite proving to be no match for second string touring India in the first three one-dayers of the series, West Indies outplayed India in the fourth one. The fixture marked reverse of roles with West Indies looking a team that had more desire to win the game. India, looked, faded and appeared to be content with the series win. In an already lost series West Indies only aim would have been denying India from a complete whitewash, and, they did it some style.

Some might dub Monday’s win at Trinidad mere consolation. Any win in the current scenario should be a welcome for West Indies. The Darren Sammy led side has hardly won anything and the lop-sided win against India should instill some confidence to the setup of beleaguered team. And, win in their 100th match against India did have some refreshing positives for the home team as well.

Andre Russell’s legend as one of the best talents going around in the Caribbean enhanced following his whirlwind innings in the third ODI with a spirited bowling spell has only been enhanced . Under pressure Kieran Pollard finally managed an impactful knock and ever effervescent Anthony Martin contributed to the victory with a four wicket haul in a tight spell.

Lendl Simmons, in the form of his life, needs to convert pretty innings to big one if he wants to play a major role in team’s progress. With test series starting in week’s time, West Indies would be keen to end series on a 2-3 scoreline to go into longer version of the game with some confidence and belief. For that to happen, middle order comprising Ramnaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels need to put their experience into play. In absence of Chris Gayle, Simmons’ hasn’t found any support from other opener. The home team needs to address that as well.Indian team was a total contrast on Monday to how it had performed in previous games. During bowling and fielding efforts, players appeared to be going through their motions. Batsmen were casual playing some senseless strokes that led to their dismissals, and, eventually, to a thumping defeat at the hands of West Indies by 103 runs. With series under their belt, Indians didn’t push themselves in the dead rubber but determined opponents were too hot for them to handle.

For India to regain confidence before the all important which would almost feature same bowling lineup, the tourists need to pull up their socks and get back to the winning ways. Batsmen need to cut down on risky strokes and fielding effort has to buck up as well. Out of form Yusuf Pathan will find it difficult to retain his place in the eleven, and, it might well give Wriddhiman Saha a chance to play tomorrow. Fast bowler Praveen Kumar deserves the rest that would mean Vinay Kumar getting an opportunity to add to his limited appearances for India.

Action shifts to Sabina Park, Jamaica and the fans would find it tough to make it to the venue for local star Gayle is missing in action.

India would start as favorites yet again but win in the fourth ODI should lift the home team. All these ingredients should make last game of the series a fascinating contest.

West Indies squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Adrian Barath, Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons.

India Squad: Suresh Raina (capt), R Ashwin, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh (vc), Virat Kohli, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishra, Munaf Patel, Parthiv Patel (wk), Yusuf Pathan, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Manoj Tiwary, Shikhar Dhawan.