Daijiworld Media Network
Kolkata, Nov 14 : The second cricket test match between India and West Indies is all set to begin at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday November 14. Winning the toss, India has elected to bat first.
Can India repeat the magic it had created at Firoz Shah Kotla, New Delhi?
Cricket experts feel that India has a bright chance to sweep the series and thereby reach the second spot in world test rankings.
After winning the toss, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, "It looks like a slow surface and it will assist the spinners. It is a pleasure to come to the Eden Gardens. It is important to keep momentum. We need to forget what happened in the first Test and we will be looking to continue with the good work. Our squad remains unchanged."
Indian offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who tied knot at Chennai yesterday is today in Kolkata to play the test match. One would pity him, as he has had no time to celebrate his wedding with childhood friend Preethi. At the same time, you cannot but admire him too.
Since the pitch is going to assist spinners, India's chances are bright. The team is expected to continue the lead and win the series in the second test itself.
India beat West Indies in the first test by six wickets in the three-match test series.
After losing the toss, West Indies captain Samy said, "We have to bowl with discipline. Playing cricket in India is a privilege. It is always good to play cricket here. We hope to grab key moments in the game. We need to play the spinners well. Chanderpaul showed us how to play the spinners and he showed us to be selective in our approach. Rampaul is still in hospital and Roach replaces him. Barath replaces Powell."
West Indies (Playing XI): Adrian Barath, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Carlton Baugh(w), Darren Sammy(c), Devendra Bishoo, Fidel Edwards, Kemar Roach
India (Playing XI): Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Umesh Yadav