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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