In Short
- India have not lost a Test to West Indies since May 2002
- India won the first Test by an innings and 141 runs
- The Port of Spain contest marks the 100th Test between India and West Indies
By India Today Sports DeskIndia will look to continue a 20-year-old streak of not losing a Test match to the West Indies when they take on the hosts in the 2nd and final match of a 2-Test series at the Port of Spain in Trinidad from July 20. The rampaging Indian visiting side, led by Rohit Sharma, is favourite to beat a battered West Indies in the series finale after the crushing win in the series opener in Dominica last week.
It will be a landmark moment for the two-Test teams as they meet in the 100th Test between them since the first one was played in 1948-49.
Despite the recent one-sided history between the two teams, India captain Rohit Sharma said he is fortunate to be part of a landmark Test between the two sides. The tourists had the opportunity of meeting and greeting Trinidad legend Brian Lara on the eve of the Test as the atmosphere in Port of Spain was building up nicely for the landmark Test.
West Indies might be a shadow of their former dominant self in Test cricket but the milestone match should give Kraigg Brathwaite and his Test team enough motivation to put up a better show.
“It’s an honour to be leading the Indian team into this game. It’s a historic game. To be part of such games, it doesn’t happen every time. I am fortunate, so is our team to be playing this game. The two teams have so much history between them, so much good cricket. At times, one team has come on top of the other. That’s what we have seen in the last 100 games that these two teams have played. I will expect no difference in this Test match as well,” Rohit said on the eve of the 2nd Test.
The first Test was a showcase of India’s dominance in both batting and bowling departments. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, made a memorable debut by scoring a magnificent 171, becoming the first Indian batsman to score a ton on debut outside Asia in over 21 years. His innings was studded with 17 boundaries and showcased his adaptability to the Test arena. Jaiswal’s performance earned him a well-deserved place in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, debuting at an impressive 73rd position.
CAN WEST INDIES STEP UP?
Captain Rohit Sharma also displayed his mastery with the bat, crafting a brilliant century. This was Rohit’s 10th Test hundred, further solidifying his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in international cricket. His last century came earlier this year on January 24, against New Zealand at the Oval.
In the bowling department, Ravichandran Ashwin single-handedly dismantled the West Indies batting line-up. He picked up a five-wicket haul in both innings, aggregating 12 wickets in the game. Ashwin’s performance was instrumental in India’s victory and he will be a key player to watch out for in the upcoming Test.
West Indies will need to put up a better batting show in the 2nd Test as they were bundled out for 150 and 130 in the two innings.
Captain Brathwaite needs to lead from the front after two failures in the first Test. Senior batter Jason Holder, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and debutant Alick Athanaze, who was the top-scorer for West Indies in both innings of the first Test, will be key as the hosts eye a better showing.
The upcoming Test match holds significant milestones for several players. Virat Kohli is set to play his 500th international match, while Ravichandran Ashwin needs just one more five-wicket haul to equal Anil Kumble’s record for the most five-wicket hauls for India in Tests.
PITCH, CODITIONS AND TEAM NEWS
The pitch for the first Test attracted criticism from former West Indies players, including Ian Bishop, for being slow-paced and favouring spinners. However, the Port of Spain pitch is expected to favour the pacers, which is a strength for the West Indies side.
West Indies have Shanon Gabriel waiting in the wings to come in place of an extra spinner. West Indies played Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican as the two spinners. One of them is likely to make way if the pitch assists the pacers.
Bowling all-rounder Kevin Sinclair is likely to make his debut in place of Raymon Reifer, who was dropped for the 2nd Test.
India are unlikely to tinker with the winning combination after having played Shardul Thakur as fast-bowling all-rounder alongside Mohammed Siraj and Jaydev Unadkat.
Kole Prosacco
Watson Murazik
Easter Moore