Umesh Yadav
Flickr photo by Jason Wong shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND 2.0) license.

Umesh Yadav’s in-dippers seal series for India

Mustafa Ismail·
Test
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After a few scary moments in the test match, India managed to clinch the series with the help of a venomous spell from Umesh Yadav…

The second test of the India vs. West Indies series was a somewhat closer affair as there were sessions which West Indies clearly dominated. The Windies posted 311 in the first innings and then had India in a spot of bother at 170-4, when Pant and Rahane came together and put up a brilliant partnership. West Indies eventually managed to dismiss India for 367, even though at one stage it looked like India would go well past 400. Trailing by 50 odd runs, the Caribbean side would’ve been looking for a big partnership and a sizeable 200+ lead to trouble India in the fourth innings of the test match. However, all hopes of creating history were eroded as Umesh Yadav was firing on all cylinders and destroyed the West Indian top order.

The quickie bowled beautifully, getting the ball to swing in viciously from outside off-stump. The spinners, especially Jadeja, also cashed in and did not give the batsmen a chance to breathe as they constantly bowled accurate lines and picked up wickets. Mind you, India were a man down as Thakur was injured early in the first innings – but that allowed Umesh Yadav to express himself even more as he bowled his heart out. The Windies were bundled out for 127 in the second innings, leaving India a target of just 72 runs. Both Shaw and Rahul chased the target comfortably and surprisingly, the match was wrapped up on day three.

Regardless of the result, the visitors improved significantly in the second test. Chase was magnificent with the bat as he scored a century and Holder was devastating with the ball as he picked up five wickets in India’s first innings. An adjustment in temperament is still needed as we saw set West Indian batsmen throwing their wickets with loose shots throughout the series. This team has potential and they will mature with experience, but the board has to back the players both financially and in terms of selection. This will allow the players to focus on their game and give their best for the country.

Composure needed

India will be content with their performance during the test series but there are still causes for concern looking ahead to the Australian tour. K. L. Rahul is not firing at the top and the likes of Pujara, Rahane, and Pant are not making the most of their opportunities once they’re set with a score of 50+. When they play Australia, the batsmen need to need to convert these 70’s and 80’s into big hundreds to do some serious damage. Shaw and Pant are the finds of the series, with both youngsters performing consistently and securing their spot in the team. For them, the Australia tour will provide great exposure and a steep learning curve. This means the duo must try and be at the top of their game if they want to succeed overseas.

India’s bowling attack looks set for Australia and they will have a problem of plenty when Bumrah, Bhuvi, Ishant, and Shami return to the team with Umesh Yadav also in hot form. This is probably India’s best fast-bowling attack ever and they will just need to ensure that they can wipe out the tail more consistently in Australia than they did in England. Ashwin and Jadeja will be the spinners – but given the Australian conditions, it might well be that only one of the two plays. Whoever’s given the role will be crucial in supporting the fast bowlers and picking up wickets as well.