Getting Dravid out early is crucial for the West Indies
The Mumbai Test was obviously not the ideal start for the West Indies
Viv Richards
06-Jul-2005
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.
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.
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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.
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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.