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