May 28, 2002 09:38 AM
1942 Views
(Updated May 28, 2002 09:40 AM)
Well, India is still searching for a series win outside the sub continent. I think they had a best chance in WI but they simply blew it. It will be very difficult for them to win in England and New Zealand in future tours.
All the hats to WI for winning the series 2-1. The main highlight of the series were Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Carl Hopper. They scored more than 1000 runs between them. Chanderpaul has a habit of playing very well against India as out of 4 centuries , 3 is against India.
Carl Hooper was actually very lucky to get 3 centuries. He was dropped twice in Guyana when he made more than 200. He was run out in 15 but the third umpire had other ideas and he went on to make 115 which was very crucial. Again in Antigua, he was plumb lbw which was not given adn he was out bat pad in Kumble's over but it was a no ball. But full marks to Hooper, he made full use of his luck on the tour.
From the Indian point of view, Laxman, Dravid and Ganguly batted very well. Sachin was rusty as he made 3 ducks which is very rare to his calibre. Also to be noted that he also got 2 rough decisions, but still not a very good tour to Sachin. Shiv Sunder Das was disappointing so was Jaffer, he made a very good 81, but he was not moving his feet at all in Jamaica.
On the bowlers side, Srinath was very promising in the first 2 tests, but he lost his rhythm in the last 3 tests. Nehra was okay, but sometimes he tries too much as he has got only 1 weapon that is the incoming delivery. But the main bowler in the series was Zaheer Khan. He bowled superbly and proved that he can bowl in tests too.
There was a talk between the 2 keepers Dasgupta and Ratra. Ratra managed to get 100 in Antigua but he has to prove more as a batsmen.
Above all Indians have to blame themselves for losing the series 2-1. They have to improve mainly on their catching, ground fielding and batting.
The 2 one dayers got washed out and now it's only a 3 match series. I hope India wins the one day series to get some pride on this tour.
