The Hindu : Sport : India has the last laugh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 05, 2006

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India has the last laugh

The West Indies batsmen did not equip themselves to play on a tricky surface, writes Vivian Richards

It must be a proud moment for Indian fans that their team has broken a 35-year jinx of not winning a series in the Caribbean by clinching the Test at Sabina Park. It was a difficult wicket to bat on, especially after the batsmen from both sides had been spoilt by the run-filled flat tracks dished out in the first three Tests.

However, I do not think it was the worst wicket ever, and Rahul Dravid proved that runs could be made if one applied oneself. In my last article I had said that the team that adapted to this change would win the series, and since the Indians played better and were more professional, they have the win that had eluded them narrowly twice in the series.

Not tested

Instead of criticising the wicket too harshly, I would venture to say that the wickets in the three earlier venues were far too easy for batsmen. This meant that results were not easy to come by, and the true merit of a batsman was never tested. I am surprised that the West Indian camp was so indignant about the conditions at Sabina Park.

Interestingly, I did not hear much unhappiness being expressed when the Indians were bowled out for 200. All the criticism surfaced only when the hosts barely managed half of what the Indians had scored.

Quite simply, the West Indian batsmen did not equip themselves to play on a tricky surface, and therefore they have only themselves to blame.

Trivial issues

I believe some of the issues that are being raised now are trivial. Brian Lara was given the responsibility of leading the West Indian team because they wanted to set an example and groom the younger players. Unfortunately for us, some old ghosts came back to haunt the team.

While I am not quite sure that the conditions were as difficult as Brian claims, I think he has a point when he demands a greater say in team selection. The captain has to be a crucial member of any selection committee since he is the one in the middle. Not only is he held responsible for the team's performance, but he is also the man who has to work with each player. I am not sure about what transpired between him and the selectors, but I hope it gets sorted out.

The Indian batsmen also struggled when they came across some pace and bounce, with the exception of their captain courageous. I was surprised when Dravid opted to bat first on a fast wicket, but fortune favours the brave, and he ensured that his team reached 200 with some superb batting.

I have always admired Dravid, and this win will give him some confidence when he leads his side overseas. He is a very serious, committed individual, and the way he handled his young inexperienced bowlers even while not allowing his leadership responsibilities to be affected was exceptional.

Both Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble were superb in tandem, and I don't see Chappell or Dravid dropping either for a long time — not even on a green top! Dravid has a young, talented and committed team with him, and I can see India going from strength to strength in the next few years.

I feel sorry for the hosts because they had a good chance of completing a double by winning the Test series too after clinching the one-dayers. While that did not happen, there have been quite a few positives for the team, particularly in the ODIs.

By beating India they have sent the right signals to the other teams ahead of the World Cup.

Gameplan

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