India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
By Gaurang
October 29 2011
During much of the past 35 years or so, a visit to India by a team from the Caribbean was sure to be an exciting prospect. Giant fearsome pace bowlers, hulking batsmen who belted the ball around, despite a vulnerability to spin, that made their shot making even more breath-taking and electric heeled fielders, who all played with that special Calypso flair. Sadly the only place to see such West Indian flair these days is to the tune of Bob Marley and Co. while watching a screening of Fire In Babylon.
October 29 2011
During much of the past 35 years or so, a visit to India by a team from the Caribbean was sure to be an exciting prospect. Giant fearsome pace bowlers, hulking batsmen who belted the ball around, despite a vulnerability to spin, that made their shot making even more breath-taking and electric heeled fielders, who all played with that special Calypso flair. Sadly the only place to see such West Indian flair these days is to the tune of Bob Marley and Co. while watching a screening of Fire In Babylon.
The reality is that the West Indies have been on a long and abject slide which has seen their overseas Test record become one of the worst in the world, just barely better than Bangladesh's. In fact, currently the West Indies are playing a two Test series in Bangladesh, and going by the even nature of the contest, it seems they may have a difficult time even beating the subcontinental minnows of the game.
The worse news for Indian fans is that the foolishly immature West Indies Cricket Board, is unlikely to pick Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, two, current caribbean cricketers who would not have faded into anonymity in the presence of the West Indies greats of the past.
India are using the series as a preparation for the tour of Australia, which is the real prize. Victory over the visitors is considered a formality. If India truly want to use the matches as a rehearsal or practice series for their tour to Australia later in the year, they will be well advised to prepare some bouncy and quick pitches. It will at least give the Indian batsmen a foretaste of what they may face Down Under.
The selectors seem to be thinking that way too, resting the wily but not very quick Praveen Kumar and dropping Suresh Raina, who has shown that despite a brave effort to overcome his problems, he is still very vulnerable to short pitched fast bowling aimed between the rib case and helmet. Further proof is the fact that India have picked three pacers, Ishant, along with the newbies Aaron and Yadav, all capable of bowling above 140 kmph, i.e. seriously quick.
The BCCI has picked three of the big centers of Indian cricket, New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai to host the West Indians, eventhough in stadia crowds are likely to be sparse for the games. One hopes that with the right kind of pitches, those who do decide to attend the matches will get some exciting cricket to see, even if it will be a far cry from the heydays of Sobers, Lloyd, Richards, Lara, Hall, Holding, Ambrose and Co.
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Stumbleupon| 29 Oct, 2011 21:50 | Report |
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India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
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| 29 Oct, 2011 22:30 | Report |
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Date Joined: May, 2007 Location: Posts: 11779 |
Re: India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
To see how BAD a touring team West Indies have been... this is a STUNNING statistic...they have won only ONE Test and of course ZERO series overseas in the past 10 years, against a country other than Bangladesh or Zimbabwe...
The solitary Test win coming against South Africa at St. Goeoge's Park in 2007
The solitary Test win coming against South Africa at St. Goeoge's Park in 2007
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| 30 Oct, 2011 08:09 | Report |
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thirdman (IP Logged) Registered User |
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shilpa (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Akbar (IP Logged) Registered User |
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| 31 Oct, 2011 18:29 | Report |
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Re: India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
We will probably struggle against the Windies. They are getting good practice against some good spinners in Bangladesh. They will be more than prepared to handle our new spinners. Kirk Edwards scored a hundred and another 80-odd, Bravo unbeated on 100...they have some young batting talent for sure.
Taking them lightly will not end well for us. Respect your opposition, always.
Taking them lightly will not end well for us. Respect your opposition, always.
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| 1 Nov, 2011 00:26 | Report |
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| 1 Nov, 2011 18:51 | Report |
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Re: India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
their bowlers are much more experienced than ours... Ishant is coming from ankle injury and is prone to break down in middle of 1st innings after bowling 9 overs.. Aaron,Yadav and Ashwin are debutants.. out of which Ashwin seems to be a intelligent one.. the other two are workhorses like sree in his entire career.... all the batters are also coming from long layoff or injury so it will be interesting to see how they match up.. but it will be good practice for them to prepare for Aussie tour..
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| 4 Nov, 2011 16:47 | Report |
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Re: India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
Actually quite the opposite... World Champs take every opposition and every game seriously... they NEVER underestimate the competition...so to me it is a GOOD sign.
But by the same token they don't back down from a challenge...and Dhoni not even trying for a win in the 3rd Test...that was a BAD sign
But by the same token they don't back down from a challenge...and Dhoni not even trying for a win in the 3rd Test...that was a BAD sign
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| 5 Nov, 2011 07:06 | Report |
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Max (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: India v. "The Once Mighty" West Indies
True the West Indies have declined a lot over the years. But lately they seem to have found some talented and committed players. India would do well not to take this series lightly. It will also be a good test for the youngsters who have come into the Indian team.
India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!
India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!
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