The Hindu : Advantage India at Port of Spain

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 19, 2002

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Advantage India at Port of Spain

The second match at Port of Spain represents India's best chance of winning a Test in the Caribbean. India has invariably performed well at this venue, that has traditionally assisted spin.

One would back India to take a 1-0 lead, despite West Indies scoring 500 plus in the first Test. This is essentially because the Caribbean batting is still inconsistent and tends to come apart during pressure situations.

The onus is on the Indian bowlers to deliver. Hopefully, the attack will wear a more incisive look with Harbhajan Singh returning; from the newspaper reports it does appear that he has regained his fitness.

Anil Kumble is under pressure to retain his place. However, taking his experience and the Port of Spain pitch into account, it would not be a bad idea to give Kumble one more chance. It is going to be a big Test for the senior leg-spinner.

With Harbhajan coming in, Sarandeep will have to make way. While Harbhajan is surely more versatile than Sarandeep, it is also a fact that the latter has contributed to the side, in whatever manner possible, whenever provided an opportunity.

Coach John Wright has to ensure that Sarandeep's morale is up, and that he is not made to feel out of place in the team. Sarandeep is a handy customer to have in the side.

However, one must mention here that the team-management would have had more options if the selectors had picked a left-arm spinner for the tour. Murali Kartik is a promising bowler and a better batsman than several of these so-called all-rounders.

On a turning track, a left-arm spinner is often the most feared bowler, and it is baffling why India has found it difficult to unearth talent in this department over the last few years. The talent is there, if we look at the right place.

Brian Lara will be turning out on his home ground, and having missed out in the first Test, will be keen on a huge innings. But then, he has struggled against Javagal Srinath in the past. Srinath's natural inswinger, leaving the left-hander, has opened up Lara time and again.

The bowlers do need a competent wicket-keeper to back them, and at the moment, Ajay Ratra appears a much better bet than Deep Dasgupta, whose 'keeping has not inspired confidence, to put it mildly.

Whether the team-management asks Sanjay Bangar to open the innings, or chooses the option of picking a specialist opener in Wasim Jaffer remains to be seen. Personally, I feel specialists should be given their due.

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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