India vs West Indies: 1st ODI Preview

In the end, the tour opener turned out to be a match won and lost in just five overs, the last five of India’s batting. Lack of discipline with the ball and lack of intent with the bat meant that West Indies lost their first ever T20 match to India.

Also Read: YuppTV To Stream India-West Indies Cricket Series Online

Both sides would look to put this match behind them and look forward to the one day series which follows immediately. Captain Suresh Raina will no doubt be buoyed by the victory as he looks to continue the winning habit on Monday. The combination these two sides will field will be heavily dependent on the track. In the T20 match, there was huge turn for the spinners and if the same wicket is used, then both sides will field two spinners. The batting order will be the same in my estimation with Parthiv Patel opening and Yusuf Pathan coming in at seven. Munaf, Praveen and the two offies should start the game which gives India a settled look coming into the contest.

West Indies will go into the match with the welcome return of three of their stalwarts in the batting lineup. The best combination for the West Indies will be to pack the side with batsmen and opt to chase. The should play Kirk Edwards at the top of the order, while Darren and Dwayne Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Marlon Samuels and the big hitting Kieron Pollard should feature in the middle order. Carlton Baugh will don the gloves as Andre Russell or Anthony Martin may take up the fast bowlers’ role at the expense of one batsman along with Ravi Rampaul. Devendra Bishoo will be the lone spinner in the side.

Darren Sammy has been a good motivator and they come into this game with back to back victories against Pakistan. They will need to be on top of their game to pull off a win, which will not be entirely surprising. India on the other would do well to not get complacent as they look to avenge their 2006 thrashing of 4-1. All eyes will be on Queen’s Park Oval on Monday as the party continues in the Caribbean.

Tags: 1st ODI, Cricket, IND, India, ODI Match, ODI Series, Preview, West Indies, WI