India keen to keep momentum

Rahul Dravid © Getty Images

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India head into the second one-day international against West Indies on Wednesday looking for an unassailable lead in their four-match series.

Having seized the initiative with a 14-run win in a run-fest at Nagpur, Rahul Dravid’s team will be looking for a bowling improvement from his team at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

In the series opener, they scored a massive 338 for three, but almost lost out after a masterful 149 not out by Shivnarine Chanderpaul brought the islanders to within touching distance of victory.

However, they fell short and the India skipper is hoping a new-look five-pronged bowling attack will restrict the opposition batsmen on a track which is likely to assist slow bowlers.

“We have decided on the new combination after looking at condition and opted for the extra spinner,” said Dravid.

The decision to play four bowlers had raised many questions, especially after Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle blazed away at the top, but Dravid is confident that a plan is in place to stem the flow of runs.

“I thought he (Chanderpaul) played an innings of superb control till the end. We have got some strategies. There are areas we can try against him.

“Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle and Brian Lara are the key players in their team. If we can get them early, we can put them under pressure.”

Shiv Chanderpaul made 149 not out in the first game of the ODI series © Getty Images

Dravid also said that his team’s top order would be determined by the start made by the top three.

“In Nagpur MS Dhoni was promoted ahead of me. That was done as we had a good start. Depending on the kind of start, we might change the batting order a little,” he added.

West Indies, meanwhile, have their own worries with captain Lara and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo considered doubts for the game.

“I am uncertain if I will play. I will practice today and decide tomorrow,” said Lara on Tuesday. “Bravo is also uncertain.”

The 37-year-old was quick to deny claims that team morale was affected after the narrow defeat in Nagpur.

“Actually, we are on a high after reaching 324 while chasing the huge total of 338. Any other team would have given up midway,” added a confident Lara.

If he is deemed unfit, Gayle will take over the captaincy role.