North Sound (Antigua): A formidable India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead against a weakened West Indies when the two sides lock horns in the third game of the ongoing five-match ODI series, here Friday. India lead the series 1-0 after winning the second ODI at Port of Spain by 105 runs. The opening match of the series was rained off.
World No. 3 India showed their might in the second game with a superb all-round display, which highlighted the gulf between the two teams. The bowlers stifled the home team batting with their impeccable line and length after India’s top three batsmen – Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli had played fluent knocks.
The trio would look to continue in same vein even as veterans like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh would hope for a good hit in the middle. The presence of young all-rounders Hardik Pandya and
Kedar Jadhav gives the visiting side’s batting solidity.
In the bowling department, Bhuvnehswar Kumar will lead the pace attack. However, it will be chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav who will once again be the cynosure of all eyes.
Besides the usual practice session here Wednesday, the likes of Kohli, Yuvraj, Dhawan and Pandya looked happy while sweating it out in the gym ahead of the match.
Trailing 0-1 in the series, the West Indies have brought in two fresh faces – Kyle Hope and Sunil Ambris – for the remaining three ODIs. However, their batting will have to fire if they are to stall the marauding Indians.
Kuldeep Yadav is expected to pose problems for West Indies batsmen once again.
Press Trust of India