West Indies selectors have named a 15-member team to tour India for the two Test matches starting Nov. 6. Following the two test matches will be three One-day Internationals.
This squad is only for the Test series and comprises Darren Sammy (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Chris Gayle, Veera Sammy Permaul, Shane Shillingford, Chadwick Walton, Marlon Samuels, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach and Denesh Ramdin. This squad is mixed with experienced and young vibrant players.
Permaul and Shillingford are the specialized spinners along with Marlon Samuels but in Test cricket the custom is to avoid using Samuels too much because he is a specialized batsman. Both Permaul and Shillingford should play in the Test along with pacers Kemar Roach and Tino Best.
Sammy has to be very strategic in his captaincy. A spin-pace tactic should be used in the Test in order to break the concentration of the opposing batsmen. Tino Best is genuinely quick and if he can control the ball, he will be devastating.
POWELL AND BRAVO TO THE TEST!
Opener Kieron Powell and Darren Bravo are still to prove convincingly that they are solid Test players. Both Powell and Bravo have flaws in their batting. It is hoped that they would overcome their flaws and be fully equipped for the top level. Both Powell and Bravo have received reasonable exposure internationally and their performances should reflect their experiences.
DHONI WILL BE USING HIS TRIUMPHANT SPINNERS
India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be enforcing lots of spin in the two upcoming Test matches against the West Indies. Some of the West Indies top batsman still have problems with high-level spinners. India’s specialize spinners Rubensata Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha will be home under their friendly conditions and definitely they are going to have an impact. Ashwin in particular can be dangerous on those wickets in India. The West Indies will have to play some serious cricket and take the initiative.
India’s spinners are much more experienced than the West Indies Shillingford and Permaul. The second Test match will be Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test match. India’s batting for the Test goes all the way to nine as specialist batsmen.
West Indies batsmen will have to score heavily to defeat India. Team India has the advantage on paper. Captaincy will play a vital role in this series and India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best in the business today. He is undoubtedly the best captain. Whatever plans the West Indies head coach have must be properly executed. It will be a spinners series. Spin bowling would take charge.
