West Indies v India - 1st Test: Match Preview - MS Dhoni is back
Turning the momentum of the series to their side successfully, the Windies are going to take on the world’s top-ranked Test team, India, in the first Test game at the Sabina Park Kingston, on Monday, June 20, 2011.
After winning the last two ODIs of the just concluded 5-match series, the Caribbean will be looking to extend their form in the Test series.
India’s overconfidence has let them down while West Indies' diligence has perked them up.
It will be a http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adam-Richard-Griffith-c41953 challenge for the West Indians to play against the World Champions in the Test format of Cricket.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SK-Raina-c2539, the Indian skipper of the ODI series, has not shifted the burden of the last two failures on his players and asked them to retain their composure.
Historical perspective
Team India last played a Test game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 claimed the series 1-0.
Team Talk
India: Their two unexpected defeats at the hands of a weak Caribbean side would have shaken them up a little.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mahendra-Singh-Dhoni-c73820, the World Cup winning captain of India, has reached West Indies to lead his side once again.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Sehwag-c2739.
The bowling department is still lacking due to the absence of top pacer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MM-Patel-c1987 is also out of the team now.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/P-Kumar-c2143, who was inducted in place of Munaf Patel, would be looking to make an impact in the game.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Harbhajan-Singh-c61453 will be supplementing the bowling department, hoping to intimidate the West Indians with a good display of spin bowling.
Dhoni’s arrival will most likely energise the Indian squad.
West Indies: They would be looking to repeat their performances from the last two ODIs.
However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/CH-Gayle-c1221 is again left out due to his dispute with the WICB, a great loss for Caribbean cricket.
In terms of changes, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Bravo-c1379 is still out of the squad.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/S-Chanderpaul-c2390 has been recalled.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lendl-Mark-Platter-Simmons-c72458, who has emerged as reliable batsman for the Windies, will be expected to give a solid performance in the absence of other notables.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Rampaul-c2233 in the pace deparment.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Anthony-Martin-c45051 should perform well, given their recent performances.
Overall, the team would be looking to start on a high note, since their beginning will set the tone for the rest of the series.
Last Word
Analysts are predicting the 1st Test to be a rip-roaring clash and each side will have to struggle hard to win.
India’s top spot in the Test rankings will be on stake, especially given the fact that the side is missing some of its senior players. The West Indians on the other hand might have learnt a few things on the way, facing the Men in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Green-c60723 earlier. It remains
to be seen if they have a few tricks for the Men in Blue.
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