India in West Indies

The game's evenly poised with India probably just ahead in what remains a low scoring affair.   I didn't get to see any of yesterday's play but was surprised to see that after less than 6 overs the Windies had conceded 12 extras  !

 Ah! A Stalemate !! But nonetheless a lively one. Thanks mainly to MS Dhoni for his good positive declaration to make a match out of it. Went out all attack for the first hour of the last innings leaving a lot of gaps and open spaces and tempting the Windies with a lot scoring opportunities. The runs did come thick and fast until they lost three quick wickets. Full marks to him for captaincy.

Who knows would have well had a result if bad light had not ended the day eleven overs early.

 Bravo to Darren too for his fabulous knock. Though he did seem to get a little worked up whenever he was tied down for long periods and needed a release shot to lower the pressure, unlike a Shiv or a Dravid who've got no qualms on being stagnant for long periods. Fortunately for Bravo he was capable of getting those timely release shot to the fence. 

  The only slightest possible criticism (of the Indians) would be, they were too slow to get those runs on Day 4 (less than 2.5 rpo). Agreed the wicket was tough and the out-field slow, but the fact that they managed just a little over 200 despite losing only three wickets doesn't sit best with me. Not disappointed though, not at all.

 So we head to Dominica with the series still alive. Good stuff!!

Originally posted by vote4peace The only slightest possible criticism (of the Indians) would be, they were too slow to get those runs on Day 4 (less than 2.5 rpo). Agreed the wicket was tough and the out-field slow, but the fact that they managed just a little over 200 despite losing only three wickets doesn't sit best with me. Not disappointed though, not at all.  So we head to Dominica with the series still alive. Good stuff!!

I think its becuz they are used to get fast starts with Sehwag and Gambhir plus Tendulkar scores freely so without 3 of them India will always struggle with the run rates.

 Munaf all set to take Mithun's place in the third and final test. Other than being more experienced he more importantly gets through his overs at a decent pace, which will be on the back of most player's minds. Ideally would've wanted Mishra in. But the pitch, like @Barbados , again heavily tilted towards the pacers.

 Last chance probably for many of the youngsters to show their mettle and take the pressure off Dravid and Laxman. Also Dhoni and Bhajji's form a big worry.

Originally posted by vote4peace   Want to meet the smartass who came up with the idea of having a tour in the Windies during the rainy season.

Nothing new there v4p , Sri Lanka have had home series regularly during the monsoon season !   Brilliant body , the ICC planning committee..........................

Indian missing Viru badly.

 with the series in the bag Dhoni is not the type of guy who would have risked it Zuhair. In fact his "sportive" declaration in the second test actually surprised me because it is not often that Dhoni would do such a thing. That doesn't mean he is not a good captain, it is just that he plays it safe first.

 Yes Zuhair Absolutely true, a Shame indeed. All the applause that he'd received for his bravado declaration in the second test has pretty much been nullified by the backlash for this submissive act of resignation.  

 "One is truly defeated, not when he fails but, when he gives up without trying."

 Was utterly disappointed by it. Not only has he dishonored the No.1 status but disrespected the game and belittled the fans. Agreed the pitch and outfield may not have been conducive but what the harm in trying. It would've to be the height of pessimism to do it out of the fear of a loss.

 Would a Steve Waugh , Imran Khan or a Saurav Ganguly settled for an early draw? Why don't think a Shewag would've allowed than to happen were he in the team.