It is the last game of the tour before India change their focus to the things of more importance. However, when the Windsor Park in Dominica opens up to host its first Test match from July 6, India will need to end on a high; loss of focus could result into a drawn series against West Indies – hardly a result they would want to go to England with.
India v West Indies 3rd Test At Dominica: Batting Key As India Aim To Close Out Series
There were contrasting voices from the dressing rooms. Rahul Dravid sounded cautious and was of the view that the pitches have been very difficult to bat on. Fidel Edwards is not a loose cannon by any means; he has the pace, but more importantly, he has the direction and if he says that he is targeting to be the number one bowler in the world, India better beware.
Dravid has scored 212 runs in two Tests and Edwards has picked up 13 Indian wickets and so the duo knows what they are talking about. Dravid has been the one reason why India is 1-0 ahead in the series, Edwards is the reason why West Indies is within touching distance of the Indians.
It may be a first Test match at Dominica but the pitch will not become any easier for the batsmen. The willow-wielders will need to be at the top of their technique if they have to counter the cherry-chuckers but on the whole, one can expect the scores to be on similar lines as the previous two Tests.
Both sides will be looking to make changes to their side. For West Indies, it is a forced one as the selectors have dropped Ramnaresh Sarwan and one of Kirk Edwards or Kieran Powell will walk into the side in his place. In four innings, Sarwan had made 29 runs and they will probably not do any worse. Unfortunately, given the West Indian batting travails, they can hardly look to drop a batsman and bring in an extra bowler. This means that Kemar Roach will continue to miss out.
India could look at two of their woefully, out of form batters; Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli. Vijay has struggled against the moving delivery while Kohli’s troubles have been against the bounce. India may look to get in one or both of Parthiv Patel and S Badrinath into the playing eleven.
In the bowling department, India may look at getting Munaf Patel back if he is fit. He could replace Abhimanyu Mithun.
India will play West Indies in the third and the final Test at Dominica from July 6.
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