***Official*** India in West Indies

[SJS]

I was reading Prem Panicker's blog; he says Bhajji was injured. Anyway, on to the next one. Top innings by Lara.

There was on Indian news channel -India TV- that reported, on the first dau of the first test, through their correspondent in Windies that Pathan and Bhajji were disciplined for the first game for going out and staying out very late into the night on the eve of the test against specific instructions to the contrary.

According to this correspondent, Pathan admitted to being out and flouting the clear instructions while Bhajji said he came back earlier.

No other media report ever cofirmed it or even hinted at it so one doesnt know how much of it is fact. It would have explained a lot if it was true because their dropping was totally inexplicable and whatever their form no one could defend including VRV at either of their expense.

 

[viktor]

Now that is interesting. Wonder why it didn't catch on even if it wasn't true.

Was reading this article on the Indian Express, http://cricket.expressindia.com/fulliestory.php?content_id=6590

‘‘There is no point in talking about people who are not fit,’’ said Dravid, adding, ‘‘if you are not fit, you are not fit. We picked four from the five fit bowlers we had, knowing that we had Viru’s off-spin as an option. If Harbhajan had been there, it might have been different but...”

 

[adharcric]

Pedro Collins is nowhere as quick as Fidel Edwards. No comparison really. Collins is more of a finesse bowler.

Best has been rubbish for about two years now, as he's forgotten that bowling effectively requires more than just flat out pace. Jermaine Lawson is even less effective at the moment though. He's been largely reduced to medium pace and does nothing with the ball anymore.

Andrew Richardson for mine.

Yeah I was about to bring up Richardson too. How pacy is he and does he get movement, bounce etc?

 

[Anil]

the way this series has gone so far, wouldn't be surprised if it ended in a draw or a 1-0 win for the windies....

 

[roseboy64]

Pedro Collins is nowhere as quick as Fidel Edwards. No comparison really. Collins is more of a finesse bowler.

Best has been rubbish for about two years now, as he's forgotten that bowling effectively requires more than just flat out pace. Jermaine Lawson is even less effective at the moment though. He's been largely reduced to medium pace and does nothing with the ball anymore.

Andrew Richardson for mine.

Some people have been suggesting Daren Powell too. Unfortunately the selectors ignored them and to enhance it they dropped Mohammed.

 

[alternative]

the way this series has gone so far, wouldn't be surprised if it ended in a draw or a 1-0 win for the windies....

Wouldn't be surprising at all... We just need to fire up and take those 2nd Innings Wickets, i reckon Harbajan has to play in the next match and we all know he has a decent recond bowling in the second Innings..

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Yeah I was about to bring up Richardson too. How pacy is he and does he get movement, bounce etc?

He's a better option than Bradshaw or a semi-fit Collymore at the moment.

Powell was also very impressive in New Zealand. The selectors are idiots, however. First they get shown up for not picking the lone spinner in the squad, and now they drop that spinner for a part-time bowler.

 

[viktor]

Yeah, that was a surprise. Especially since Lara has been so vocal about wanting a fast bowler.

 

[adharcric]

India could opt for five bowlers as Harbhajan should return but three seamers may be favored as well if we get the kind of pitch Lara has been asking for. In that case, Laxman could be left out again. Unless he gets a chance in the final test, his time as a regular could nearly be finished.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

The pitch is said to be a livelier one than the typical West Indian pitch. I've read that it lacks grass, but it will offer seam movement.

 

[Jono]

India could opt for five bowlers as Harbhajan should return but three seamers may be favored as well if we get the kind of pitch Lara has been asking for. In that case, Laxman could be left out again. Unless he gets a chance in the final test, his time as a regular could nearly be finished.

If the pitch is livelier, why would India play one less batsman?

 

[Sanz]

If the pitch is livelier, why would India play one less batsman?

We playing with Six bowlers now ?

 

[silentstriker]

We playing with Six bowlers now ?

I think we should go all out and play with 9 bowlers + sehwag and dravid. And sehwag can bowl too...so pretty much just Dravid (and Dravid can keep too).

 

[viktor]

I'd have gone with you on that but VRV's form with the bat hasn't been great. Lets say 8 bowlers?

 

[marc71178]

If the pitch is livelier, why would India play one less batsman?

Obvious.

All 5 bowlers have hit 6s, so they don't need the extra batsman.

 

[adharcric]

If the pitch is livelier, why would India play one less batsman?

Well, one would think it's about time Harbhajan Singh gets a match, considering he's our second best bowler. At the same time, playing Bhajji and keeping six batsmen requires playing only two seamers. Would they really play only two seamers on a lively wicket affording seam movement? That's why playing five bowlers remains a possibility.
I don't necessarily believe it's the best option.

 

[adharcric]

Breaking News ... Ian Bishop rates VRV Singh

VRV's been taking quite a beating around here for helping complete the worst bowling attack in the history of cricket ... and now Bishop calls him of all people a very good prospect!

 

[honestbharani]

Bishop wants to help the Windies, obviously.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

VRV's been taking quite a beating around here for helping complete the worst bowling attack in the history of cricket ... and now Bishop calls him of all people a very good prospect!

He looks a better prospect than Sreesanth IMO.

 

[silentstriker]

He looks a better prospect than Sreesanth IMO.

Really? I think Sreesanth is a much better prospect than VRV. I haven't really seen anything from VRV.