Grading the West Indies in India: the first ODI

After the Test series ended 2-0 in favour of India with a nail-biting draw in the final game (I missed most of the fourth day and all of the final so I don’t think I was in a position to grade it), the West Indies took on the hosts in the first of five One-Day Internationals at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Although putting up a substandard score the visitors fought back in the field, so much that the Indians limped home with one wicket and seven balls to spare. The West Indian cause was not helped by some 23 extras, including a whopping 16 wides and four no-balls.

Lendl Simmons

Back on the sub-continent after missing the Tests the Trinidadian appeared set for another of his sheet-anchor innings that was the hallmark of his Bangladesh campaign before he inexplicably cut at a delivery that was too full and too straight.

Grade: C

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Adrian Barath

The diminutive opener looked in fine form, scoring his 17 from 13 balls with three fours, before he was undone by a beauty from Vinay Kumar.

Grade: C+

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Marlon Samuels

Like Simmons, he has fond memories of his last ODI series and also seemed ready to repeat his heroics of the Bangladesh tour. After posting 10 from 11 however he departed, bowled playing a most awkward shot. His bowling, although economical did not result in any wickets which were imperative for a WI win.

Grade C

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Darren Bravo

The stylish left-hander was definitely the best West Indian batsman on show. While Bravo was at the wicket the team always looked capable of amassing 250 at least. The fluency in his strokeplay, especially through the off-side, was very much evident – as it was in the Tests. His dismissal, bowled by a delivery that kept low, effectively turned the tide in favour of the fielding team.

Grade: B+

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Danza Hyatt

The stocky right-hander was supporting Bravo in a fourth wicket stand of 75, the best of the innings, before a dreadful breakdown in communication resulted in his run out. Until then he was playing his kind of innings, blocking the good balls and blasting the poor ones, and WI looked on course for a score well over 200.

Grade: B-

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Kieron Pollard

The big man continues to flatter and deceive. He had nearly half the overs to bat and, with the devastating hitting we know he is capable of, could have seen WI in the vicinity of 300. Instead, after 33 deliveries from which he scored 13, he manufactured another soft dismissal. He did manage to pick up a wicket but, given the context of the match, was a tad bit expensive. Maybe it’s time to end this experiment.

Grade: C

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Denesh Ramdin

His work behind the stumps was solid but watching him in front of them one could not help but wonder how he managed to chalk up eight first-class centuries.

Grade: C

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Darren Sammy

The captain looked at sea with the bat before being put out of his misery by a delivery he knew nothing about. His captaincy was steady as was his bowling, until the 49^th over when he bowled too short and wide, then overcompensated by bowling too full, allowing boundaries to the numbers 10 and 11.

Grade: C

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Andre Russell

The belligerent Russell is definitely batting two places below his station. He showed that he knows how to keep the scoreboard ticking with his 22 from 20. He was the team’s most economical bowler while claiming two wickets to help reduce India to 59 for five. His dismissal of Suresh Raina was a classic fast bowler’s MO. Having forced the little left-hander on the back foot with several short balls he pitched one up and the Indian, caught on the crease, could only lob the catch up to mid-off.

Grade: B+

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Kemar Roach

He played with a straight bat and level head to ensure WI batted all 50 overs. He also claimed the first three Indian wickets early giving WI the belief that they could actually defend their modest total. His three no-balls and five wides are unacceptable at this level of the game however.

Grade: B+

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Anthony Martin

The live-wire leg-spinner was not very effective today, being picked off easily by the India openers. He did however; make a key breakthrough in the closing stages when his dismissal of Rohit Sharma for 72 briefly revived WI’s hopes.

Grade: C

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Grading the West Indies in India: the second Test

The West Indies were seeking to rebound after their five-wicket loss in Delhi. This was not to be however as, after spending the better part of two days in the field, they collapsed spectacularly for 153 in the first innings. Coming back from a first innings deficit of 478 was always going to be an uphill task and the most fans could have hoped for was a big second innings score and a draw. This was not to be however for, despite Darren Bravo’s century, they went down by an innings and 15 runs.

NB: If readers are thinking that the grades appear a bit harsher for the batsmen it is because I considered the track to be a batting paradise.

Adrian Barath

Back after another injury the little right-hander was out to a beauty in the first innings but buckled down to score a responsible 62 in the second. His impetuous shot-making proved his downfall however when he seemed to be on top of the bowling.

Grade: C+

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Kraigg Braithwaite

The obdurate teenager had a double failure, falling victim to a dubious decision in the first innings and showing a rare lapse in concentration the second time around. His brightest moment came when he claimed his first Test wicket that of Rahul Dravid when ‘the Wall’ was already well entrenched.

Grade: C-

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Kirk Edwards

Once again he demonstrated his willingness to apply himself. However, his manner of dismissal in the second innings, playing around a full delivery, must have left him a most disappointed man especially when he too seemed to have had control of the bowling.

Grade: C+

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Darren Bravo

The BCL clone overcame his problems against off-spinner Ashwin to slam his second Test century as WI struggled to save the game on the fourth day. It was ultimately in vain but during his brilliant 136 and his 30 in the first innings Bravo proved that he is up for the challenge presented by the Indian attack. His innings was not flawless but his willingness to attack the bowling was nicely balanced with the ability to be circumspect on those occasions when it was good. There is no doubt about this one. He is here to stay!

Grade: A

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The most senior batsman in the team followed up a rare failure in the first innings with a gritty 47 in the second. Another rarity, a false shot ended that second knock, even as he struggled with an injured calf, after adding 108 for the fourth wicket with Bravo. This is one occasion when he was getting the necessary support from his batting team mates.

Grade: C

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Marlon Samuels

The stylist has not delivered as promised on this leg of the tour. He flopped again in the first innings, scratching out an unimpressive 25. However, after another shaky start to the second knock he blossomed into something resembling the form he displayed at the start of the Bangladesh tour just over a month ago. He seemed well on his way to registering his third century, and second at the venue, when his tendency of playing back to good length balls caused his downfall for 84. His partnership of 132 with Bravo for the fifth wicket was the most substantial of the innings.

Grade: B-

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Carlton Baugh

Although he continued to impress behind the stumps his double failure in front did him no favours. This is especially so since his predecessor and rival for the position, Denesh Ramdin, was discarded for not scoring enough runs. Given Ramdin’s proven ability as a leader the scales could once again be tipping in the Trinidadian’s favour if Baugh continues in this vein.

Grade B-

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Darren Sammy

Like all his bowlers skipper Sammy toiled manfully on a batsman’s paradise, and ended with two wickets for his efforts. While batting his intent is obviously to play aggressively, but this he needs to temper with better shot selection. As captain he continues to be at a loss when opposition batsmen get set although one could make the case that not much could be done as a bowler on that pitch.

Grade: C

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Kemar Roach

Two of his no-balls probably made all the difference in this game. He found the edge of MS Dhoni’s bat on three occasions. The third one came after the Indian skipper had notched up 144 in a seventh wicket stand of 244 with VVS Laxman and was pouched by wicket-keeper Baugh. The previous edges were also snared by Baugh but both were off no-balls and Dhoni had not yet achieved double figures. Roach played this game after another illness to Ravi Rampaul, (and what a pitch to get that opportunity own) but it is situations like these where legends make their names, and he did not exactly help his cause.

Grade: C

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Fidel Edwards

The fiery pace man tended to bowl too short and was duly rewarded with just the one wicket. He needs to readjust his length if he wants to contribute to WI saving some face in the final game. A point to note: known more for his dour defensive approach to batting, he seems to have added a few shots to his repertoire.

Grade C

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Devendra Bishoo

The little leg-spinner bowled the most overs on his team but, like his mates, erred too often in length. His lone success was the wicket of the maestro Tendulkar who he also dismissed in Delhi.

Grade C

Grading the West Indies in India: the first Test

Following their 1-nil series win in Bangladesh the West Indies moved on to India where they took on the host just a week later in the first Test of a three-match series. Although the conditions were similar the same could not be said for the opposition. Nevertheless the visitors held their own for the first two days until a dismal batting performance in the second innings gave India the opportunity to sneak back into the game and eventually win by five wickets.

Kraigg Braithwaite

Braithwaite once again displayed remarkable powers of concentration and patience in his first innings 63 which was the team’s second highest in the match behind Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 118. It was also part of the 108-run fourth wicket partnership with Chanderpaul. He could not repeat the effort in the second innings however. It would also help his cause if he learnt to rotate the strike a bit more.

Grade B-

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Kieron Powell

Following his good showing in the final Bangladeshi Test the upright lefthander would have been looking forward to a much sterner examination. It came and he flunked it, never really looking comfortable in the first innings and failing to get on top of his drive during the second when he failed to bother the scorers.

Grade D

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Kirk Edwards

Despite scoring only 15 and 33 Edwards looked the most accomplished of the WI batsmen apart from Chanderpaul. His inexperience in Indian conditions no doubt caused his first innings downfall and a horrible lack of judgment his second innings demise. The application he showed though bodes well for the rest of the tour.

Grade: C

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Darren Bravo

Coming off his career-best 195 in Bangladesh Bravo must have fancied his chances in India. However, the left-hander made 12 in both innings. He was troubled by off-spinner Ashwin in both innings, and dismissed by the debutant both times. On this evidence he will be in for a tough time in the rest of the series.

Grade: D

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The veteran left-hander was head and shoulders above his contemporaries during his two knocks. Watching him bat one wondered if they were playing on the same track. Chanderpaul easily racked up 118 in the first innings and seemed on his way to another century the second time around when he was undone by a beauty. He needs lots of support if WI are to come back into this series.

Grade A

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Marlon Samuels

Given his form in the Bangladesh ODIs and the fact that he is a senior batsman in the team Samuels is expected to play a leading role in run scorer. Added to that the fact that he and Chanderpaul are the only batsmen with Test experience in Indian and you get the picture why he has been a disappointment. In the little time he spent at the crease he looked distinctly uncomfortable, as difficult as that is to contemplate. His off-breaks proved useful in breaking partnerships in both innings but his batting needs to improve to provide the support Chanderpaul needs.

Grade: D+

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Carlton Baugh

The little wicket-keeper hardly put a foot (or glove) wrong during the two innings. His glove-work was supreme and his alertness accounted for at least one dismissal which might otherwise have gone abegging. With the bat he once again showed signs that his impetuous shot-making days might be over that is until, once again, he produced two such ill-advised shots which caused his downfall in both innings.

Grade: B+

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Darren Sammy

The skipper rang the changes well during the first innings and seemed to have his fielders in all the right places. He seemed to run out of ideas however when batting became easier in the Indian second innings. With the ball, his three wickets in the middle of the Indian first innings took the wind out of the hosts’ sails but, although getting the key wicket of Virender Sehwag, could not repeat his feat in the second. His second innings 42 showed signs that his shot selection is improving.

Grade: B

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Ravi Rampaul

The burly paceman did not get much help from the pitch although he did return to dismiss Rahul Dravid while cleaning up the tail in the first innings. He went wicket-less in the second and although he showed some potential with the bat contrived to throw his wicket away.

Grade: C

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Fidel Edwards

Like his new-ball partner Edwards found no assistance from the pitch although he produced two peaches to account for his wickets in both innings. With more of the same wickets expected in the next two games he and Rampaul will certainly need to make adjustments in their length AND line if they are to make any impression.

Grade: C

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Devendra Bishoo

The leg-spinner was on a high going into this game after his exploits against Bangladesh and, with Chanderpaul likening the track to the one in Bishoo’s home town at Albion, expectations were high for the little man. He struggled for consistency however and capturing the wickets of Sehwag, Laxman and the 15,000-run man Tendulkar would have been small consolation.

Grade: C

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Grading the West Indies in Bangladesh: the second Test

The West Indies beat Bangladesh by 229 runs in the second and final Test in Mirpur. The match – October 29-November 2 – was notable for centuries by Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo (his first) and five-wicket hauls for fast bowler Fidel Edwards and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, also his first. It also signified the first overseas series victory for the regional team since 2003 in Zimbabwe. Along with the performances mentioned there were enough solid contributions from the others to classify this as an all-round team effort.

Kraigg Braithwaite

The teenager in his third Test recorded his highest score in the manner he has become renowned for, steady and purposeful. His first innings 50 was part of an opening stand of 100 which laid the foundation for a formidable WI total. A slight hesitation on his part, and a smart piece of fielding meant he failed to bother the scorers the second time around. Although showing good temperament he would need to add to his repertoire of scoring shots since at the highest level teams will only be too happy to exploit his favourite daub down to thirdman.

Grade: B-

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Kieran Powell

The tall Nevisian played his second Test after Lendl Simmons was ruled out injured. Renowned for his dashing stroke-play the left-hander tempered his natural instincts to compile a composed 72 in the first innings. Adopting a similar approach in the second innings might have produced another handy score but it was obvious he struggled with the restraint and gifted his wicket. He will do well to appreciate that every innings is a new one.

Grade: B-

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Kirk Edwards

Also in his third Test Edwards enhanced his growing reputation as a steady hand. His fighting 121 in the first innings was century number two in his short career and could only have been bettered by another three-figure score in the second innings. That he fell 14 short could be attributed more to a lapse in concentration than to any guile from the bowler, he was so in control.

Grade: A

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Darren Bravo

It took 10 Test matches to show up but when it did Bravo’s first century was a joy to behold. After failing in the first innings the left-hander made up with an innings that batted the Bangladeshis right out of the game. With the proverbial monkey off his back fans will be looking forward to more such innings from the left-hander. He also went a long way towards rescuing his reputation as a fielder with two sharp catches at forward shortleg.

Grade: A

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The veteran left-hander puttered around for an unconvincing 18 in the first innings before being undone by a beauty. He was a lot more fluent and enterprising the second time around when adding 143 for the fifth wicket with Bravo. His unbeaten 59 was complimented by some good slip catching.

Grade: B

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Marlon Samuels

Mr. Cool was fluent in his only turn at the crease. His 48 was crucial in helping WI from a tricky 232 for five in the first innings before, as we have become to expect from him, he threw it away. Still he made important breakthroughs in both innings bowling his off-spin for it to be a factor in his final grade.

Grade: B-

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Carlton Baugh

He didn’t spend much time in front of the stumps during his only appearance but turned in another competent performance behind them. He continues to do his reputation no harm since returning to the team late last year.

Grade: B-

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Darren Sammy

The beleaguered captain may have emerged from this match as the happiest member of the team. Constantly criticized by fans questioning his place in the team Sammy did not stick around for long when he batted. His medium-pacers provided containment in the first innings and broke two threatening partnerships in the second when he also held a couple of smart catches among four. As captain he hardly put a foot wrong apart from some questionable field placing in the first innings.

Grade: B-

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Kemar Roach

Once again the pace man was handed an opportunity through injury, this time to Ravi Rampaul, and once again he failed to make the most of it. He struggled with both his length and line in the first innings, and was only slightly better in the second when he picked up his only wicket, that of the Number 11. With tour matches dwindling in number these days Roach must make use of net sessions to prepare himself for when opportunities arrive.

Grade: C

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Fidel Edwards

Edwards’ assault on the Bangladeshi top order on the second day set the platform for what turned out to be a substantial first innings lead of 124. He claimed the first five wickets as the home side slumped to 59 for five. He was not as successful in the second although he did make the initial breakthrough.

Grade: A-

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Devendra Bishoo

The little leg-spinner registered his maiden five-wicket haul on the way to the best match figures by a West Indies spinner since the days of the legendary Lance Gibbs. His eight wickets were just reward for attacking the batsmen throughout the game. If there can be a criticism of Bishoo it would have to be his reluctance/inability to bowl the googly. Added to his armoury it should see him produce many more such hauls.

Grade: A

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