DRAMA AGAIN BY THE WEST INDIES

The West Indies never cease to amaze. After scoring 590 runs in the first innings of the last Test in the three-match series against India in Mumbai, the Caribbean cricketers transformed what was expected to be a mundane last day into perhaps the most exciting day of the series as India, chasing 243 to win ended on 242 for 9, one run shy. It was only the second time in Test cricket history that a match had ended in a draw with the scores level, the first occurring between England and Zimbabwe. None of this would have been possible had it not been for another collapse by the West Indian batting. Resuming on 81 for 2, the West Indies found a way to capitulate as they ended up scoring only 134.

“The final day was superb, and we would have forgotten the first four days, which can be called boring to some extent. The last time we played at CCI, there was something in the morning, and it fizzled out. We weren’t expecting it to as much as it did today. When batting we lost wickets at the wrong time. Also they played good cricket. It’s a lesson it’s not yours until it’s in your kitty. Also I would love to see wickets turning this much on the first evening so we don’t have to wait five days for the excitement,” Indian captain MS Dhoni said afterwards.

For those ready to hang the West Indies by focusing on what they didn’t do, note what the Indian captain said. “Also, they played good cricket…” After the disappointing performance with the bat during which the captain Darren Sammy continues to disappoint and must now drop himself down the order to number 11, the West Indies produced a performance that would suggest that they are beginning to unearth the sterner stuff that they need to excel at this level. The oft-maligned Ravi Rampaul bowled his heart out. On a flat track that gave little help to the fast bowlers Rampaul produced a good final day bowling performance which should bolster his confidence going forward.

Rampaul had six wickets in the match and 3 for 56 in the final innings of the series. He bowled with pace and a plan. In the Indian first innings when Indian batting master Sachin Tendulkar was marching steadily towards his 100th hundred, it was Rampaul who produced the rearing delivery that saw the Indian master edge to Sammy at second slip.

ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Devendra Bishoo was not at his best in this match but he, too, played well. He also showed great grit literally bowling on one leg on the final day. The team also fielded well, and except for a few fumbles that may have cost them a win, at least they didn’t give away so many runs as to lose the match.

Clearly though, a lot of work is still needed for this team to become competitive on the world stage, especially with regards to the batting. The inconsistent performance of the batters cost the West Indies the second Test at Eden Gardens when in reply to India’s mammoth 631 for 7, they could only manage 153. Yes, they were out in the field for two days but they are fit, it should not have happened. The batsmen need to show greater levels of consistency. They also need to learn not to panic as much if the team loses a couple of quick wickets. The truth test of mental fortitude is finding calmness even when madness is unfolding all around. Many of the batsmen still get too caught up in the moment and are unable to find themselves before its too late.

In this final match, after posting such a formidable total in the first innings, making 134 in the second innings, not even a third of the first innings score, is unacceptable. Too many reckless shots were played and not even logical thinking was employed. Marlon Samuels, who came to the crease with four wickets down, went down the track to Pragyan Ojha and was stumped. What he should have been thinking – as the most senior batsman on the team – is occupation. Sammy continues to fuel conversation about his place in the team given his poor performance with the bat. He has got to learn that he can’t hit his way out of situations like this. It’s almost as if he transforms into a caveman once you put a bat in his hands. “I know we didn’t bat well today, but we fought. We knew it was going to be tough on these wickets, but we stuck it out. We showed we are improving. It’s about putting both innings together, and we will be better competitors. Especially in this match to see this inexperienced line-up post 590 against India in India was good. We lost the last two matches in an hour. One session each took the game away from us. But we are fighting, and I am sure the fans are happy with the improvement.”

Yes, the fans are happy and there has been improvement and it is clear that the problems have been identified. It is now time to take that next step and put into practice what the team has learnt on this tour of India.