India achieved their expected dominance through superior batting firepower in the first Test although they had to lean on their lower order for a lot more than they might have planned.
The West Indies couldn’t really get a foot in the door after they let India off the hook at the beginning of the first Test and will have to find a way to seize back the initiative.
Friday 30 August – Tuesday 3 September 2019 | Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica | 16:30
To WinWest Indies 6/1
Tie 5/1
India 3/10
West Indies
The opening batsmen of the West Indies need to do a better job of blunting the India attack to give their middle and lower order a chance to attack. Neither Kraigg Brathwaite nor John Campbell looked close to their best in the first Test but change is unlikely.
Shamarh Brooks was given a difficult task on debut, coming in at number three, he flopped in both innings but the more established men beneath him in the order didn’t cover themselves in glory.
Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel had India in trouble early on after the tourists were inserted by Windies skipper Jason Holder. Holder and Miguel Cummins weren’t able to cause the same threat as the opening bowlers and India were allowed to fight back. The Windies cannot afford to squander opportunities to put the tourists under pressure.
As is so often the case in the Caribbean the threat of showers will linger for all five days but the weather should hold for long enough to get a result. India’s last visit to Jamaica to play a Test was marred by rain and a stubborn century from Roston Chase.
India
The first Test victory gave Virat Kohli his 27th Test match win as captain equaling the record of MS Dhoni. Kohli faces stern test of his leadership skills if he is to haul in Ricky Ponting (48) and Graeme Smith (53) on the all-time list.
Hanuma Vihari is starting to look at home in this India Test side having grabbed the few opportunities presented to him with both hands.
Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t always enjoyed the full backing of supporters but few will argue with his place in the team after his match-winning contributions in Antigua. His dual innings probably rank as his biggest contributions towards a result in his Test career.
India rested Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav for the first Test content with Ravindra Jadeja who proved a great all-round option.
Ishant Sharma continues to prove the value of a wiley quick in a Test lineup and the tourists will keep faith in him to lead the attack alongside Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. One of the quicks may be afforded a rest though with Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini in reserve.
Verdict: India 3/10
India have the quality in all areas to get the job done.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
