West Indies Vs India 2017 – 4th ODI: West Indies’ Predicted XI
Dec 31, 2018 at 2:03 PM
One has to sit down and ponder the precise direction in which this current West Indies outfit is headed. In the two completed games so far of their ongoing series against India, not even for a moment have they looked dominating.
Agreed, they missed out on their Champions Trophy berth and aren’t in the top 8 of the ICC ODI Team Rankings. But that, however, shouldn’t mean that the side takes no effort or heart into a game.
With two games still left in the series, it’s now or never for the hosts. Having beaten Pakistan in one of their games recently, upstaging India would definitely help their cause for an automatic selection for the next World Cup in 2019. For that to happen, however, several alterations are needed and needed desperately.
The exodus of their first choice players and some renowned names has caused an irreplaceable void for the Calypso Kings. In between though, there have been some glimpses of excitement, like Shai Hope batting with an application or the bowling of Devendra Bishoo. But all in all, things remain utterly gloomy for the West Indians.
Recent form:
West Indies:
If recent form and the last few games are anything to go by, West Indies seem like an easy bait for team India. West Indies’ gameplay in this series so far has been similar to the actions of a lamb awaiting slaughter. No attempt has been made to show any improvement or wholehearted cause. That is the most disheartening aspect if you are a supporter of the Jason Holder led outfit. Having been thrashed in Antigua, only a miracle can save West Indies from further misery now.
India:
As far as team India are concerned, all boxes are on the verge of getting ticked. The game yesterday meant that the middle order spent ample time in the middle and did so with flying colours. Yuvraj Singh’s fighting 39 was some news, but ultimately, it was MS Dhoni’s match winning 78 which made all the difference. The visitors could make a few changes going into the fourth ODI.
Talking Points:
The form displayed by Jason Mohammed was among the only few minute positives for the hosts. As compared to the other batsmen around him, Mohammed seemed to be the only one playing with intent and a plan. For the side to upset India, the right-hander will again have to do the bulk of the scoring in the middle order.
The bowling overall was quite satisfactory for the West Indies, barring that of debutant Williams. In all probability, pacer Alzarri Joseph should be back in the scheme of things. The attitude and attacking mindset of Rovman Powell were another positives.
West Indies Predicted XI:
- E. Lewis 2. K. Hope 3. S. Hope (wk) 4. R. Chase 5. J. Mohammed 6. R. Powell 7. J. Holder (c) 8. A. Nurse 9. D. Bishoo 10. M. Cummins 11. A. Joseph