India vs West Indies: Play called off for the fourth consecutive day in the final Test
India lost their No. 1 position in Tests after yet another day was washed out without a single ball being bowled. It has been a frustrating last few days for the Indian team as they desperately needed to win the last Test at Port of Spain to keep their numero uno status intact.
The West Indies administrators faced stern criticism for the horrible drainage system at Port of Spain. Despite clear sunshine in the last few days, we haven’t seen any play possible due to the wet outfield conditions. Serious thoughts must be given to ensure better drainage system in the future. All the big names from the cricketing fraternity were very disappointed with the outcome and expected severe actions to be taken against the West Indies administrators.
The Indians had a wonderful time in the Test series so far winning two of them quite comprehensively. Virat Kohli scored his maiden double century of his career in the 1st Test and that set the tone for the rest of the team members. Ravichandran Ashwin was also brilliant in the first Test grabbing 7 wickets in the 2nd innings and followed it up with another 5 wicket haul in the 2nd Test. He also went on to register two centuries in the series and in the 3rd Test with Wriddhiman Saha the duo bailed India out of trouble from a precarious situation. Saha also completed his maiden Test century in the 3rd Test.
If there is no rain & there is no play, that ground has to be deemed unacceptable for international cricket. Or, it forfeits income from TV
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 21, 2016
Ajinkya Rahane also chipped in with a fine hundred in the 2nd Test to stamp his authority in the middle order. KL Rahul in his comeback match hit a terrific 150 to ensure India took an unassailable lead in the series.
The only bright spot for the West Indies team has been the all-round performance from Roston Chase. He was particularly impressive with the ball in the 2nd Test scalping 5 Indian wickets in only his 2nd Test. Chase followed it up with a breathtaking century in the 2nd innings when West Indies were done and dusted and needed a miracle to save the Test match.
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Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder supported him very well and the West Indies pulled off an unexpected draw in the 2nd Test. Apart from that Miguel Cummins was very impressive in the 3rd Test taking 6 wickets in the 2nd innings while debutant Alzari Joseph was impressive too getting rid of Virat Kohli as his first Test wicket.
With the Test series done and dusted, both the teams will fly to the US to play a historic two match T20 series but most of the members in the West Indies squad will be replaced by T20 specialists. This will be the first time West Indies will play a T20 after Darren Sammy was unceremoniously sacked as the national captain. Craig Braithwaite will lead the team for the first time in his career.