Preview West Indies versus India, 3rd Cricket Test, Dominica

The Teams left Barbados held in differing regards in the public eyes. The critique on the Indian’s were they weren’t proactive enough in seeking a victory, whereas the West Indies gained greater regard by fighting out an admirable draw

So the table is set for an intriguing duel in the 3rd Test. As Windsor Park, Dominica becomes Test crickets 106th venue

West Indies

The Windies were admirable in gaining a draw in the 2nd Test. The only change that has happened to their Team is the diabolically out of form Ranmaresh Sarwan has been replaced by Kieron Powell. The bowling has been the strength of the Team, but Fidel Edwards, for all his pace again frustrated with his lack of direction. So this might see Kemar Roach replacing him.

So the team should be as follows

Barath, Simmons, Powell, Bravo, Samuels, Chanderpaul, Baugh, Sammy, Rampaul, Roach, Bishoo

The Keys For West Indies

1. The Bowlers Controlling The Indian Veteran Batsmen

In truth the West Indies are two sides of the coin. In regards to their bowling has been very effective. Though sadly this has been undone by the impotence of the batting.

Throughout the series, another key difference is the ability of the masterful Indian batting veterans in Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman to stand up and make crucial contribution. For with the struggles of the much hyped Indian ‘Generation Next’ without the veterans standing up. The Windies might be even in the series or even ahead.

If the bowlers can control these two and lessen their effectiveness the pressure will come on the other batsmen to perform. Then this is where a huge advantage for the hosts might be seen. For there are increasing doubts over the pedigree of the young Indian batsmen to be factors in Test cricket

2. The Top 3

The dropping of the under performing Sarwan was justified, but with it, it makes it full of cricketing babes in a mans world. The incumbent openers in Barath and Simmons have struggled for the most. Simmons for all his determination and improvements made to his game has again been found to be wanting in the highest standard of the game. Then Barath has been impressive on occasion, but has also been seen as been loose and lacking in temperament. On a stage that is so unforgiving in these failings.

Kieron Powell, an attack minded 21 year old left hander has been included in the top 3. So is very much an unknown entity. Thus with this in mind we must wish the young man every good fortune in his career. Hopefully for West Indies cricket they have unearthed a gem.

This aside, in this match it will be crucial the start the top 3 give. For if they are mown down as easily that they have been it will apply greater pressure to the rest of the batting line up. That for the most part has underperformed

3. Your Time is Now Shiv Chanderpaul!

In the lead up to the Test series against Pakistan one of the furores was over Shiv Chanderpaul being asked to retire by Selectors.

This logically caused a huge outcry due to the regard that Chanderpaul is held in the eyes of the people in the Caribbean coupled by the disdain that the Selectors are held in.

Though for all the criticisms thrown at the West Indies powers that be with many being justified. This suggestion might actually have been vindicated

For Chanderpaul after much outcry was included in the 2nd Test against Pakistan and throughout this series. Though sadly for the proud servant of West Indies cricket his displays have backed the thoughts of the Selectors that he is now well past his best

Here is a 3rd Test it would make a huge difference to his Team if he can dispel this view of him being past it with a vintage performance.

Lets hope for the Windies he can!

India

There is actually a bit of conjecture over the Indian line up. Firstly with the risk of punishment hanging over M.S.Dhoni over the slowness of over rates it will almost certainly mean the recall of leggie Amith Mishra with him taking Mithun’s place. Then there is also the thought of freshening the batting line up in view of the struggles of youngsters like Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay. So this is the likely Team

Mukund, Vijay, Dravid, Laxman, Badrinath, Raina, Dhoni, Harbhajan, Praveen, Ishant, Mishra

The Keys For India.

1. A Bit of Intensity Mr M.S.Dhoni- Please!

There is no doubt that the Indian Captain is not only a very fine leader, but also a very decent keeper and one of the most devastating lower order batsmen in World cricket

Though sadly for his hordes of fans he has been severely lacking in all departments. His series being characterised by crucial dropped catches, soft dismissal when batting and criticism over his Captaincy.

Thus with the series being 1 to the good for the Indian’s, but also symbolised by its closeness. A lift from one of India’s most accomplished players could be the impetus Team India needs to win the series 2/0

2. Ishant Sharma-Are We Witnessing Potential Being Turned Into Performance?

Ever since we saw this young Indian quick make the great Ricky Ponting look outmatched. We have thought India’s search for a key strike bowler is over.

Though sadly since he has been a cause of frustration that has evaporated the initial hope.

Here in this series with India’s other experienced quicks missing. Ishant has assumed the role of the leader of the attack, and my word how he has excelled!

In Barbados, granted against the very weak West Indies batting line up he was near on unplayable. To the extent that he would have made any batting line up in the World of cricket be wary of the regal skill he showed.

If he continues that form here, put down your glasses. For there will be no need to watch for it will be a a safe bet that India will win.

3. The Effects of the Names in the Squad to England, and the one who missed out

As the squad for England was named recently in the aftermath of the 2nd Test draw.

It was characterised with many members of the current squad in this Tour. In Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay, Parthiv Patel and Subramaniam Badrinath being overlooked for England

Then others like Praveen Kumar and Abhinav Mukund were rewarded with a place on the plane to England.

How all these players deal with the disappointment of the exclusion for England as well as the ecstasy of making it will be crucial in this Test match.

For firstly on the players who missed out. They will either not deal with the disappointment well and have a mental lapse and find it hard to perform. Or conversely will see it as a chance to prove to the Selectors that their decision to omit them was wrong and duly succeed by this motivation

Then the players who were rewarded will more than likely be inspired by the faith shown in them and their more assured place in the Team.

Thus crucially how the back room staff of Team India deal with all these feeling of the players will be integral in having the Team perform to its optimum in this 3rd Test

Prediction

The Windies gained some respect with a draw in Barbados, but I think this will ensure a more focussed India here. On the back of them being disappointed with that result.

So if India improves their performance the West Indies will struggle.

Thus an easy Indian win is on the cards