Selectors' biggest worry is Sehwag's fitness
India's VVS Laxman plays a shot during the fourth day of the second Test match against the West Indies at the Kensington Oval in Georgetown, Barbados. (AFP Photo)
BRIDGETOWN (Barbados): Half-centuries from VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid put India in a formidable position in the rain-hit second Test against West Indies on Friday.
Scorecard | Match in Pics
Laxman was unbeaten on 72 - his second half-century in the match - and Dravid was dismissed for 55, as the Indians reached 229 for three in their second innings for an overall lead of 240 on the rain-affected fourth day.
Laxman and Dravid, the visitors' most decorated batsman, featured in three half-century stands that fortified the World No.1 Test team's position.
Dravid added 63 for the second wicket with opener Abhinav Mukund, and put on 65 for the third wicket with Laxman, who then shared an unbroken stand of 75 with Virat Kohli before the close.
Dravid, a century-maker in the first Test, reached his 50 from 157 balls, driving Fidel Edwards through mid-off for a deuce in the first over after tea.
But he fell in the fifth over after the break, when he top-edged a cut at a short, rising ball outside the off-stump from Edwards, and was caught behind. He struck just three boundaries from 171 deliveries in close to four hours.
When he departed, Laxman took control, reaching his 50 from 120 balls, sweeping leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo behind square leg for two.
He was fortunate on 69 however, when West Indies captain Darren Sammy dropped a return catch in the last hour.
Laxman however, persevered, and his near four-hour long innings contained six fours from 171 balls.
He and Kohli, not out on 26, batted through the final two hours of the day to ensure that India enhanced their chances of wrapping up their second straight Test series victory in the Caribbean.
Dravid and Laxman had started to beef up the Indians' lead, carrying them to 143 for two at tea.
The two batsmen drew upon their vast experience to consolidate their side's position, after Mukund, playing in his second Test, fell in the first hour after lunch for 48, gloving a snorter from Edwards.
India had reached 62 for one at lunch, after play started 50 minutes later than regularly scheduled.
The Indians resumed on their overnight total of 23 without loss, but opener Murali Vijay departed in the second full over of the day, when he was caught behind for three off Ravi Rampaul, edging an unplayable delivery that moved away sharply.
Mukund and Dravid started to blossom, following a circumspect start against a West Indies attack that continued to exploit the lively Kensington Oval pitch.
Mukund drove West Indies captain Darren Sammy through mid-off for his second boundary to get into stride, and Dravid steered a delivery from Edwards between third slip and the gully for his first four.
Dravid however, had an anxious wait on nine, when he turned a delivery from Sammy to mid-wicket, and fielder Adrian Barath claimed a low catch, diving forward.
But a consultation between on-field umpire Asad Rauf and TV umpire Gregory Brathwaite gave Dravid a reprieve.
India are also looking to create a piece of history by becoming the first Indian side to win a Test and one-day international series in the Caribbean - but they will also have to overcome their poor history here.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team still have cause for optimism though - following a 10-wicket defeat for Sourav Ganguly's side nine years ago, West Indies have lost six of the next eight Tests they have played at this venue.
Scorecard | Match in Pics
Laxman was unbeaten on 72 - his second half-century in the match - and Dravid was dismissed for 55, as the Indians reached 229 for three in their second innings for an overall lead of 240 on the rain-affected fourth day.
Laxman and Dravid, the visitors' most decorated batsman, featured in three half-century stands that fortified the World No.1 Test team's position.
Dravid added 63 for the second wicket with opener Abhinav Mukund, and put on 65 for the third wicket with Laxman, who then shared an unbroken stand of 75 with Virat Kohli before the close.
Dravid, a century-maker in the first Test, reached his 50 from 157 balls, driving Fidel Edwards through mid-off for a deuce in the first over after tea.
But he fell in the fifth over after the break, when he top-edged a cut at a short, rising ball outside the off-stump from Edwards, and was caught behind. He struck just three boundaries from 171 deliveries in close to four hours.
When he departed, Laxman took control, reaching his 50 from 120 balls, sweeping leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo behind square leg for two.
He was fortunate on 69 however, when West Indies captain Darren Sammy dropped a return catch in the last hour.
Laxman however, persevered, and his near four-hour long innings contained six fours from 171 balls.
He and Kohli, not out on 26, batted through the final two hours of the day to ensure that India enhanced their chances of wrapping up their second straight Test series victory in the Caribbean.
Dravid and Laxman had started to beef up the Indians' lead, carrying them to 143 for two at tea.
The two batsmen drew upon their vast experience to consolidate their side's position, after Mukund, playing in his second Test, fell in the first hour after lunch for 48, gloving a snorter from Edwards.
India had reached 62 for one at lunch, after play started 50 minutes later than regularly scheduled.
The Indians resumed on their overnight total of 23 without loss, but opener Murali Vijay departed in the second full over of the day, when he was caught behind for three off Ravi Rampaul, edging an unplayable delivery that moved away sharply.
Mukund and Dravid started to blossom, following a circumspect start against a West Indies attack that continued to exploit the lively Kensington Oval pitch.
Mukund drove West Indies captain Darren Sammy through mid-off for his second boundary to get into stride, and Dravid steered a delivery from Edwards between third slip and the gully for his first four.
Dravid however, had an anxious wait on nine, when he turned a delivery from Sammy to mid-wicket, and fielder Adrian Barath claimed a low catch, diving forward.
But a consultation between on-field umpire Asad Rauf and TV umpire Gregory Brathwaite gave Dravid a reprieve.
India are also looking to create a piece of history by becoming the first Indian side to win a Test and one-day international series in the Caribbean - but they will also have to overcome their poor history here.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team still have cause for optimism though - following a 10-wicket defeat for Sourav Ganguly's side nine years ago, West Indies have lost six of the next eight Tests they have played at this venue.
Read More:Shivnarine Chanderpaul|Ranji Trophy|Marlon) Samuels|India Vs West Indies|Bridgetown|Abhinav Mukund|2nd Test
India's Abhinav Mukund bats during the second Test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. (AFP Photo)
BRIDGETOWN: After contributing to India's cause by scoring 48 runs in the second innings, opener Abhinav Mukund said he took inspiration from the rival batting line-up.
"Sitting at forward short leg and watching (Marlon) Samuels and (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul bat, I took a leaf (out of their book)," said Mukund after his career-boosting knock at the Kensington Oval on Friday.
"The two were playing too late. Chanderpaul was leaving a lot of balls which were close (to the off stump) also. I too wanted to play as late and leave as many as possible," remarked Mukund who shared an important 63-run second wicket stand with Rahul Dravid.
His innings somewhat redeemed the tour for Mukund after his failures in the first three Test knocks of his international career.
"We (the two openers) didn't have enough time to adjust. We landed here just three days before (the first Test). It's been tough, I can be honest about it. The bounce is really steep. But I feel it's good for me that I have played in tough conditions."
Mukund was hit on his helmet by one such steep bouncer from Edwards and he remembers the delivery as a really quick one.
"Any human being will tell you (it hurts). When you are hit, your body tells you are at war. It's a state of shock. But I wanted to convince myself I could face Test bowling."
Mukund said a punched drive he executed off Edwards in the second innings of the first Test gave him a lot of confidence.
"I remember the shot I played in the second innings of the first Test, punching Fidel (Edwards) for four. I felt confident that I could straight drive too (at this level)."
Mukund revealed he couldn't sleep much ahead of his first Test at Jamaica last week.
"I didn't sleep much on the night before the first Test. My body clock wasn't set either. I remember the first over I played in Test cricket. I was nervous but I didn't try to do anything about it."
Having been nervous, it still surprised most that Mukund preferred to take first strike rather than his more experienced partner Murali Vijay go for it.
"I told him that I would take the first strike. I have always taken the first strike, even at Ranji Trophy level. It isn't as if he didn't want to face first."
Mukund termed it a fortunate coincidence that he has played with the first five batters of the present Indian line-up.
"I am fortunate that I have played with all the first five batters previously. It is a really comfortable atmosphere in the dressing room.
"Having batted with Dravid today, you learn a lot. He is gutsy, he keeps talking to himself in the centre. He kept telling me watch the ball, watch the ball."
Mukund termed the Kensington Oval pitch as unpredictable. "A few deliveries rise off a length. The new ball holds the key, for them and for us as well. If the weather is good,, it could be a good Test match."
"Sitting at forward short leg and watching (Marlon) Samuels and (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul bat, I took a leaf (out of their book)," said Mukund after his career-boosting knock at the Kensington Oval on Friday.
"The two were playing too late. Chanderpaul was leaving a lot of balls which were close (to the off stump) also. I too wanted to play as late and leave as many as possible," remarked Mukund who shared an important 63-run second wicket stand with Rahul Dravid.
His innings somewhat redeemed the tour for Mukund after his failures in the first three Test knocks of his international career.
"We (the two openers) didn't have enough time to adjust. We landed here just three days before (the first Test). It's been tough, I can be honest about it. The bounce is really steep. But I feel it's good for me that I have played in tough conditions."
Mukund was hit on his helmet by one such steep bouncer from Edwards and he remembers the delivery as a really quick one.
"Any human being will tell you (it hurts). When you are hit, your body tells you are at war. It's a state of shock. But I wanted to convince myself I could face Test bowling."
Mukund said a punched drive he executed off Edwards in the second innings of the first Test gave him a lot of confidence.
"I remember the shot I played in the second innings of the first Test, punching Fidel (Edwards) for four. I felt confident that I could straight drive too (at this level)."
Mukund revealed he couldn't sleep much ahead of his first Test at Jamaica last week.
"I didn't sleep much on the night before the first Test. My body clock wasn't set either. I remember the first over I played in Test cricket. I was nervous but I didn't try to do anything about it."
Having been nervous, it still surprised most that Mukund preferred to take first strike rather than his more experienced partner Murali Vijay go for it.
"I told him that I would take the first strike. I have always taken the first strike, even at Ranji Trophy level. It isn't as if he didn't want to face first."
Mukund termed it a fortunate coincidence that he has played with the first five batters of the present Indian line-up.
"I am fortunate that I have played with all the first five batters previously. It is a really comfortable atmosphere in the dressing room.
"Having batted with Dravid today, you learn a lot. He is gutsy, he keeps talking to himself in the centre. He kept telling me watch the ball, watch the ball."
Mukund termed the Kensington Oval pitch as unpredictable. "A few deliveries rise off a length. The new ball holds the key, for them and for us as well. If the weather is good,, it could be a good Test match."
Sources close to Virender Sehwag informed that Viru's rehabilitation is still not over and he will take some time to bat in the nets or throw the ball properly. (TOI Photo)
CHENNAI: The biggest concern for the national selectors these days is injuries. They had a torrid time in finalising the ODI and Test squads for the West Indies about a month and a half back and it's not getting any easier as they sit down to choose the team for the four-Test series against England.
A few grey areas have been ironed out with the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir andZaheer Khan declaring themselves fit, but there are two spots that are giving sleepless nights to the five wise men.
The primary concern is obviously Virender Sehwag.
The Delhi dasher underwent a shoulder operation and is running against time to get himself ready for the series. Sources close to the opener informed that Viru's rehabilitation is still not over and he will take some time to bat in the nets or throw the ball properly.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth & Co have always insisted that they would include a player in the squad only if he is fully fit, but the team management, joining in the meeting from West Indies would push for Viru's case so that he can be played the moment he feels fit.
There is the option of including him as the 17th member, but it's to be seen whether the selection committee will take such a call.
Dhoni's desperation to have Sehwag back is justified, though.
There won't be any specialist third opener with second wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel doing the duties if necessary. The selectors may also have to spend some time in finalising the pace bowling unit.
Swing is king in England and bowlers who can move the ball around will get the priority. Praveen Kumar has all but sealed his place while Zaheer and Ishant Sharma, too, are certainties.
The injuries to Munaf Patel and Sreesanth, though, will be worrying the selectors. Munaf has been a passenger on the Test series in West Indies due to his injury but it's understood that the team management doesn't want to take chances with England on their mind.
The rest of the squad selects itself, more so after the failure of S. Badrinath and Virat Kohli. Yuvraj's only contender for the middle-order berth can be Rohit Sharma, but the selectors, in all probability, will stick with the southpaw and give him one more chance to show his mettle in Tests.
Meanwhile, leggie Amit Mishra, despite a disappointing first Test in Jamaica, will hold on to his place as the second spinner along with Harbhajan Singh.
Likely Squad: Gautam Gambhir, M Vijay (Wasim Jaffer), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth (Abhimanyu Mithun/Irfan Pathan), Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Parthiv Patel,Yuvraj Singh
*Virender Sehwag may be included so that he plays the moment he is fit.
A few grey areas have been ironed out with the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir andZaheer Khan declaring themselves fit, but there are two spots that are giving sleepless nights to the five wise men.
The primary concern is obviously Virender Sehwag.
The Delhi dasher underwent a shoulder operation and is running against time to get himself ready for the series. Sources close to the opener informed that Viru's rehabilitation is still not over and he will take some time to bat in the nets or throw the ball properly.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth & Co have always insisted that they would include a player in the squad only if he is fully fit, but the team management, joining in the meeting from West Indies would push for Viru's case so that he can be played the moment he feels fit.
There is the option of including him as the 17th member, but it's to be seen whether the selection committee will take such a call.
Dhoni's desperation to have Sehwag back is justified, though.
There won't be any specialist third opener with second wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel doing the duties if necessary. The selectors may also have to spend some time in finalising the pace bowling unit.
Swing is king in England and bowlers who can move the ball around will get the priority. Praveen Kumar has all but sealed his place while Zaheer and Ishant Sharma, too, are certainties.
The injuries to Munaf Patel and Sreesanth, though, will be worrying the selectors. Munaf has been a passenger on the Test series in West Indies due to his injury but it's understood that the team management doesn't want to take chances with England on their mind.
The rest of the squad selects itself, more so after the failure of S. Badrinath and Virat Kohli. Yuvraj's only contender for the middle-order berth can be Rohit Sharma, but the selectors, in all probability, will stick with the southpaw and give him one more chance to show his mettle in Tests.
Meanwhile, leggie Amit Mishra, despite a disappointing first Test in Jamaica, will hold on to his place as the second spinner along with Harbhajan Singh.
Likely Squad: Gautam Gambhir, M Vijay (Wasim Jaffer), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth (Abhimanyu Mithun/Irfan Pathan), Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Parthiv Patel,Yuvraj Singh
*Virender Sehwag may be included so that he plays the moment he is fit.
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