West Indies Vs India 2017 – 2nd ODI – West Indies Predicted XI
Dec 31, 2018 at 2:03 PM
Expecting the five-match ODI series between hosts Windies and India to commence in grand fashion, fans were taken aback as rain had the last laugh in Trinidad. Despite being greeted by deserted stands in the opener of the five-match series, fans seemed keen given how dominant India have been in ODI’s off late. They had plenty to cheer as openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane put on solid half-centuries to propel India to a great start.
However, just as the esteemed Indian duo of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni seemed ready to take off in the death overs, the heavens opened up and no further play was possible, thus resulting in an anti-climax. For the hosts though, problems were evident right from the offset as the new ball bowlers failed to make a breakthrough early on.
Skipper Jason Holder will be eager to improve the team’s bowling performance for the second ODI on Sunday at the same venue. The pitch offers nothing much for the seamers and rather than earning a wicket here, the best way to dismiss a batsman is to make him commit a mistake.
Recent form:
West Indies:
Missing out on their Champions Trophy berth was nothing less than an embarrassment for the Calypso Kings and an ultimate low for a really long while. An ODI series at home against Afghanistan was seen as an alternative, but that led to further chaos as the Afghans beat them in the opener. Against India too in the first ODI, Holder’s side looked terribly short of ideas and demotivated throughout the proceeding. A better show is expected on Sunday.
India:
India would definitely be a dejected outfit after the abandoned game on Sunday. Needing a big win to get over that heartbreaking loss to Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy final, India were well on track to post a healthy total in the first game when the skies opened up. Going in with their strongest squad at present, India have made their intentions clear of dominating the hosts.
Talking Points:
The move to include Devendra Bishoo did the trick on Friday as the leg-spinner was the team’s best bowler in an otherwise ordinary performance. The leggie trapped Shikhar Dhawan on 87 and gave away just 39 in his 10 overs. A similar performance is expected from him on Sunday.
As a whole, there isn’t the need for the hosts to make any changes to their playing XI as the batting wasn’t tested. Expect them to play with the same XI.
West Indies Predicted XI:
- E. Lewis 2. K. Powell 3. S. Hope (wk) 4. J. Mohammad 5. R. Chase 6. J. Carter 7. J. Holder (c) 8. A. Nurse 9. D. Bishoo 10. A. Joseph 11. M. Cummins