The second of a three-match ODI series between West Indies and India will also be played in Barbados tomorrow. After a difficult pitch for batting in the first match, all the eyes will be on the surface for the 2nd ODI now. Needless to say that the batters will have to put in the hard yards again in order to score runs here.
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Player of the Match in the first ODI yesterday, India spinner Kuldeep Yadav took full advantage of the situation on offer. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also reaped awards for bowling consistent lines and lengths. With vice-captain Hardik Pandya taking the new ball on Thursday, it’s a huge plus for the visiting team.
West Indian batters, meanwhile, proved why they didn’t qualify for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In spite of the talent on paper, these batters failing to apply themselves under testing circumstances led to them getting all out for 114. On the contrary, their spinners did try to put curbs around the Indian batters in favourable conditions.
India vs West Indies 2nd ODI Pitch Report
With just a day’s gap between two ODIs, the pitch is not expected to change its nature drastically. There was enough help for both pacers and spinners in the last game. The pacers were able to seam the ball and spinners got excessive turn from the wicket. Additionally, there’s a good amount of bounce on this surface.
The average first innings score at this venue in ODIs has been just 228 runs. This is a clear proof that batters have not been able to play that well at the Kensington Oval in all these years. Commonly known as “pacers’ paradise”, spinners dismissed 10 out of 15 batters in the previous match. The pitch has a history of slowing down as the match progresses.
An overcast day is expected in Barbados which should suit the pacers. The batters will have to settle down first in order to move the scorecard at a rapid pace. This is not a place where boundaries will flow easily. Looking at the conditions, both captains might chase upon winning the toss.
Rohit Sharma Was Surprised By Barbados Pitch In 1st ODI
India captain Rohit Sharma was one of the many who were surprised by the pitch in the first Bridgetown ODI. Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, he was elated by his bowlers’ effort to restrict the home team for such a below par score. West Indies captain Shai Hope also agreed that the track surprised them.
“To be honest, I never thought the pitch was going to play like that. It had everything for seamers and spinners, and the run-scoring was quite difficult. But to restrict them to that score was a superb effort from our bowling unit.”
Although the Indian pacers bowled well in the initial overs, it was the spin duo of Jadeja and Yadav who ran through the West Indian middle and lower-order. Similarly, the Indian batters also lost their way against spinners. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie troubled all the star batters of the Indian side.
