http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 v Australia – 2nd Test – Match preview
After a gruelling battle in the first Test of the ongoing Frank http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Devi-Chand-Worrel-c53918 Trophy, which saw the Australians emerge triumphant against the West Indies with a 3-wicket win, the second Test of the series poses a do-or-die situation for the host team, as they
prepare to tackle the tourists at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, from April 15 to 19.
The Windies’ recent performances against the Australians are a testament to their re-emerging competitiveness and fighting spirit. However, they still lack the necessary consistency and discipline required to play a match through till the end. Despite having
begun the first Test on a strong note, with their first innings culminating in a formidable 449, the host team tapered down as the game drew to its conclusion, allowing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978’s men to sweep in and claim a victory.
Based on their performance during the first innings of the previous Test, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kraigg-Brathwaite-c71708 are likely to be retained as openers, with Kirk Edwards coming in at third. Barath managed a 22 in the first innings, but was dismissed at 2 during
the second. Brathwaite was slightly more impressive, scoring a half-century the first time around (57), only to be sent back on duck during the second, and Edwards also registered scores of 61 and 1. The top order will be required to develop the ability to
bat consistently throughout the match.
Veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who anchored the first innings with a massive 103 – the only century of the match– is expected to be the key player in the Windies batting order. Darren Bravo, who managed to maintain respectable scores in both innings during
the previous Test – 51, followed by 32 – is also likely to contribute in a big way.
The Windies bowling attack is expected to remain unchanged, barring the addition of off-spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/N-Deonarine-c2051 (4 for 89), and
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KAJ-Roach-c1758 (5 for 117), however, played key roles in the bowling attack and are expected to trouble the Aussie batsmen with their pace once again.
In response, the Australians have impressive depth in their batting order to boast of. The top-order trio of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ricardo-Gouveia-c84824
Ponting’s position remains under threat, and scores such as 4 and 14 are unlikely to benefit either the team or his career. Despite this, he is likely to be retained for the second Test, although a similar performance may find him on the sidelines for the
third match.
Skipper Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey are likely to be as dependable as before, coming in at number 5 and 6 respectively. The tail-enders also put up a strong showing in the previous Test, contribution well over 100 runs combined during the team’s first
innings, so substantial scores can be expected of the Aussies.
The bowling attack looks to be in capable hands, owing to the presence of pacers Ryan Harris (whose impressive all-round performance won him the Player of the Match award) and Ben Hilfenhaus (5 for 94). Peter Siddle managed a respectable 3 scalps, and David
Warner also chipped in with a surprising 2 wicket contribution, which broadens the Aussies’ pace options.
In addition to the regular pacers, the tourists also have the all-round expertise of vice-captain Watson to fall back on. However, the choice of which spinner to play is likely to give http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 a tough time – Nathan Lyon underperformed during the previous
Test, registering figures of 1 for 113, and the skipper may consider replacing him with Michael Beer.
The pitch at the Queen’s Park Oval is expected to be spin-friendly, making it even more crucial for both sides to select their spinners with care. With an expected temperature of 22 - 31° C, in addition to a looming threat of thunderstorms, rain delays may
also occur.
West Indies playing XI (probable):
1 Adrian Barath, 2 Kraigg Brathwaite, 3 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Fidel-Henderson-Edwards-c57010, 11 Devendra Bishoo/ Shane Shillingford
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 playing XI (probable):
1 Ed Cowan, 2 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Beer-c1949
Tags: