http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 - 3rd Test match - Part 4 - Second Innings Analysis of India
India required 180 runs for victory against West Indies in the final Test match of the three-match series, at the Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica on the Caribbean soil on Sunday, July 10, 2011. They didn’t have much time left in the match though, as the first
two sessions of final day’s play were already seen through by the home team’s batsmen.
There were almost 35 overs of play left and it was possible to chase 180 runs for victory. However, the visitors had to bat at a very good run-rate, considering the fact they required the runs at more than five runs per over.
India didn’t go for the victory though, as they ended the day comfortably with 94 runs on the board, losing three wickets. The top score of the innings came from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Vijay-c1867, who collected 45 runs.
The Men in Blue had already won the first Test match of the series and the next one was drawn. Therefore, a drawn third match would have given the series win to the visitors, which was enough for them at the end of the day.
There was also a slight chance for the Caribbean Kings to bowl the opposition out and level the series 1-1, but it was difficult for them to do it in just one session, especially against a skilful batting line-up of India.
Although batting was not much difficult on the final day’s play at the Windsor Park, it was still not easy to score runs quickly. India would have missed their regular opener, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Sehwag-c2739, who was ruled out of the series due to a shoulder injury.
The flamboyant batsman has the ability to score runs quickly against any opposition under any circumstances, as that is the only way he knows to play.
However, the number one Test team had to fight with the available options they had. Their openers Vijay and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Abhinav-Mukund-c41758 walked out at the crease with an intention to impress the selectors for one last time.
The start was disastrous for the visitors, as they lost Mukund on the very first ball of the innings. He was caught plum in front of the wicket and the spectators erupted with joy in the stadium.
However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Dravid-c2229 walked out in the middle and batted expertly to rescue his side from trouble. He got terrific support from Vijay, who ended up with 45 runs in his outing.
Both players pout together 73 runs for the second wicket partnership before Vijay was sent back to the pavilion. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SK-Raina-c2539 didn’t last long at the crease and was dismissed after scoring just eight runs.
This was the final wicket to fall in the innings, as Dravid and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772 saw through the remaining few overs of the day. They remained unbeaten on 34 and three respectively, guiding the total to 94.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Rampaul-c2233 picked up two wickets for his time, but it was a little too late for his team.
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