The Mumbai Test was obviously not the ideal start for the West Indies. We simply did not score enough runs in the first innings something that is imperative in Indian conditions. The Indians had put up a huge total in unbelievable heat and full credit to them for achieving that. The West Indians on the other hand had to toil hard in the heat for almost two days and that must have had an effect on them. The bowlers did have their moments, especially on the second day, and they were responsible for ensuring that India did not cross 500. They must have been disheartened by the dropped catches.

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However, the team must look ahead and be realistic about what to expect. The pitch is likely to have an invariable bounce, especially after the wicket in Mumbai, which had invariable bounce, proved so ideal for India. The batsman must take up the challenge and psyche themselves to believe that they can rough it out in these conditions. I often feel that being out there in the middle is akin to driving. The longer you stay on the job, the easier it is to sort out what one should do and what one should not do.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul did just that at Mumbai. He may not have torn apart the Indian attack but he certainly survived and got better. I hope the other players take a leaf out of his book in Chennai. Test cricket is all about having the stomach to compete in all kinds of conditions and that’s what I’d like the West Indies to have for the rest of the series.

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As far are the bowlers are concerned it was good to see them dig deep on the second day in Mumbai. They must now try to work out a way to get past the defenses of Rahul Dravid. He is today the backbone of the Indian line-up and always sees his team through when the going gets tough.

The Indian vice-captain is on the verge of emulating Sir Everton Weekes, but the West Indians must be more worried about what a century from him could do to their chances in this Test. Records are meant to be broken but even if they dislodge him at 99, Dravid would have done his job for India. I think getting Rahul Dravid out early is crucial for the West Indies.

Virender Sehwag is the other in-form batsman for India. I saw him in England too, and he is very talented and entertaining. It will be interesting to see whether he will be sorted out by bowlers, who nowadays are quick to work out your habits. A player has to be successful over a period of time for one to be confirmed of his class these days, but the early indications are promising.

Other Articles by Vivian Richards:

• Indians outclassed in all departments at Vijayawada (26 November 2002)
• Too many crucial catches have been dropped (24 November 2002)
• Ganguly's absence could hit the Indians hard (21 November 2002)
• Gayle put me in mind of Lloyd (18 November 2002)
• A Sarwan century would be the icing on the cake (15 November 2002)
• The West Indies must carry their momentum (9 November 2002)
• A crucial series for the fringe players (5 November 2002)
• The West Indies playing for pride (30 October 2002)
• Getting Dravid out early is crucial for the West Indies (17 October 2002)
• Indian tour a golden opportunity for youngsters (9 October 2002)

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