It was supposed to be India all the way, especially after their thumping win in the first Test. Virat Kohli’s men had piled on more than 500 runs in Antigua and scripted an innings victory, so a similar outcome was expected on a result-oriented Jamaica pitch in the following match.
But the hosts showed some spark, no doubt helped by rain, and that has levelled the playing field to an extent. After India had reached the 500-run mark for the second successive time, only one team seemed capable of pulling off a result.
However, rain intervened and shave 100-odd overs from the Test before the West Indies walked off the ground with their head held high following a remarkable fightback by the lower order.
The hosts were staring down the barrel at 48 for four but a superlative century by newcomer Roston Chase and fighting fifties by fellow youngsters Jermaine Blackwood and Shane Dowrich kept the Indians at bay.
It once again brought to the fore the Indians’ inability to dismiss lower-order batsmen in away Test matches, a bane that has seen them squander away numerous possible Test wins.
While India struggle with the problem of handling lower order batsmen, the hosts suddenly have a spring in their step. While their bowlers haven’t shown enough firepower to contain the Indian batting, at least their batsmen have given Kohli and the bowlers some food for thought.
While it would be too early to expect any miracles from the inexperienced West Indies outfit in the third Test in Gros Islet, there are a few things they can do to improve their chances against an Indian team that is stronger.
The West Indies should think of changing their batting order to give their in-form middle and lower order players a better opportunity to make an impact. Leon Johnson is all set to replace out-of-form opener Rajendra Chandrika, which is a sensible move.
The Windies should also look into the poor run of middleorder batsman Darren Bravo. The left-handed Bravo has failed to make any substantial contributions this series and while he deserves another chance, given his Test experience of 44 matches, shuffling the order and bringing Blackwood and Chase higher up can work in their favour.
Blackwood got a pair in the opening Test but stunned the Indians with his aggression in the second, scoring 62 from as many balls in the first innings and 63 from 54 in the second. Such an attacking intent can set the tone of the match if it comes from a No3 batsman and can force India to alter their bowling plans much sooner.
50 - Jermaine Blackwood has posted back-to-back Test scores of 50+ for the first time. Resilient.
— OptaJim (@OptaJim) August 3, 2016
Chase too had a brilliant second Test, scoring a century and picking up five wickets. It won’t be a bad idea to have him at No5 with Bravo coming in at No6. Granted Bravo has mainly been a No3 or 4 batsmen. However, inform batsmen should always bat higher up the order and the southpaw has anyhow averaged less than 40 for five straight years.
On the bowling front, the Windies seem to have limited options but if their batsmen can post a decent total in their first innings, the Caribbean bowlers can hope to exert some pressure on the Indians as the visitors are playing with just six front-line batsmen and any line-up can lose three quick wickets in a Test.
On their part, the visitors need to regroup quickly and keep attacking with the ball. Their bowlers can’t afford to play the containing role as the West Indies batsmen will be in a confident mood and looking to assert themselves.
The Indians have picked a five-bowler strategy and they must continue to push for results. India haven’t become a poor team after a draw but the Windies have an opportunity to bridge the gap between the sides and compete on more even terms.
