West Indies shocked an awed India in the first of the five matches ODI series at Kochi a couple of days back. India is reigning world cup champion and were hot favorites to knock over not too consistent West Indies forced to appear without two of their key players Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine for different reasons. The team almost was deciding for boycotting the test for industrial disputes over payment issues. But a clinical all round performance made their strong opponent suffer one of biggest ODI defeat in the recent times.
The jubilant captain Bravo who shouldered the responsibility of opening the innings with the bat in absence of Lendl Simmons was ecstatic at the teams achievement.
"It is a great feeling to go one-nil up against the world champs, especially without guys like Chris and Sunil," he said. "But there have been times when we have started [series] well but not finished to our potential. We have set ourselves a standard, now that we have got a good start, and we have to make sure we maintain it. This is going to be our biggest test."
West Indies is in a mission. How fondly they want to regroup and regenerate their invincible make up of 1970s and 1980s. The legends of yesteryears Richie Richardson, Clive Lloyd and Curtly Ambrose have teamed up in the team management as Manager, Chief Selector and Bowling coach. The body language of the team started changing. The team is looking hungry for success which Bravo agreed.
"It is good to have legends like Clive Lloyd, Curtly Ambrose or Richie Richardson involved with the team. Curtly Ambrose brings a different energy and an attitude in the team. The players really respect him and look up to him. I have grown up watching these legends and it is good to have them around where players can go to them and get some advice. "The good thing is that the team is sticking together and supporting each other well. We have a must-win attitude, and we have a support staff that brings in a great positive energy to the dressing room.
West Indies will play the Second match of the series at Delhi today. India is a team which is capable of bouncing back at home condition at any stage. The very deep and strong batting line up stuttered under disciplined Caribbean bowling at Kochi responding to a massive target of 327 to win. It is not too often that batsmen like Kohli, Raina, Rayudu and Dhoni fails to deliver together. One or the other Indian batsmen in ODI always raise their hands and come up with match winning performance. But on that day at Kochi it was one of the exceptions. There is no doubt India would appear with a different resolve today. Their batting will have more intent and bowling would be more purposeful. West Indies have to respond well and demonstrate consistency to consolidate the advantage they have after winning the first match and going 1-0 up. In the first match a record breaking fourth wicket partnership between Marlon Samuels and Dinesh Ramdin laid the foundation of the innings. Few others like Smith, Bravo’s had starts but could not convert. Against India the team has to produce together as an unit. Batting still has to deliver more consistently. Bowling and fielding looked much more disciplined and purposeful which is expected under care of very determined Curtly Ambrose. A consistent Wet Indies winning at Delhi can make it really difficult for India to make a comeback in the series.
For India on the other hand it will be a must win game. Their bowling looked not much penetrative. Especially the spinners could not create any pressure. Conceding a score of 326 in ODI after putting the opponent in for bat does not speak high of the teams strategy and accomplishment. Kumar was miserly. But all other bowlers including Sami leaked too many runs. If bowling remains the same West Indies may again post a huge target and make it very challenging for India. This Indian team is their best fielding side in the recent time. Talking about the batting Dhawan and Rahane were looking to put the team on course till Rahane was run out. But after that the fearsome four Kohli, Rayadu, Raina and Dhoni capitulated to smart West Indian bowling. Once they failed it was well beyond Jadeja and the rest to bring the team back on track. India will definitely bat well but for that Indian bowlers and fielders must see that the target remains within manageable proportion. One hopes to see another match of tooth and nail fight. A consistent West Indies can always create issues for any cricket team anywhere. But the questions to be asked can West Indies demonstrate consistency?
BDST: 1155 HRS, OCT 11, 2014
