More Rain

Test matches recently have been marred by rain, with the England Sri Lanka series just about ruined by it. The second day in Barbados was similarly afflicted but the days can never be short enough for the West Indies. In twenty five overs, most of them before lunch, they lost Bishoo and Sarwan and were 5-57. Had it not been for a stubborn 41 unbeaten runs between Chanderpaul and Samuels, they might not have made a hundred.

Ishant Sharma got both of the wickets but it was Praveen Kumar who worried the batsmen most, making the ball swing and buck and beating edges inside and outside. Sarwan continued to be a non swimmer out of his depth and reached such confusion that when a well pitched ball eventually arrived, he stayed on his crease and played castle protection with his batting pads. Even a corrupt umpire would have had to give it. Bishoo was just outclassed and steered a lifter at head height to one of the two gullies.

With more rain coming and the Indian quicks likely to stay fresh, it will take something special from the West Indies to get a first innings lead. Their best chance lies in the current partnership and if Carlton Baugh can live up to the reason for his selection. How this batting line up needs inspiration and steel. Gayle would certainly be unafraid of the Indian quicks and would take the battle to them, but this side needs Darren Ganga batting at four and with the captaincy duties.

I am still amazed at the irony of Indian bowlers terrorising West Indian batsmen and a Caribbean selection policy which omits a strapping fast bowler in favour of a leg spinner. Clearly, Bishoo deserves and needs to be there, it's just odd in the light of West Indian cricket history since 1975.

The rain looks likely to severely reduce the time available in this Test but it may not be enough to save the West Indians.