 India, the world champions, enter the one-day series against West Indies
as firm favorites and one should expect little surprises, if any, in terms of
results. West Indies have only upward to look to as their form in the 50-over
format of the game has not been any impressive either.
India will be led by the explosive Virender Sehwag, with the selectors
deciding to rest regular skipper MS Dhoni ahead of the tough Australian tour.
For them it is a matter of continuing their winning run as well as testing their
bench strength.
Click for Live Score Card of India Vs West Indies
Sachin Tendulkar has also been rested while Yuvraj Singh is unavailable
as he battles lung tumor. India have fared reasonably well off late, clean-sweeping
England at home to add to the World Cup glory earlier in the year. In addition,
they beat West Indies in West Indies as well, winning the first three ODIs before
falling away in the last two inconsequential matches. The only glitch in an
otherwise perfect year has come in the form of the abysmal tour to England where
they lost 3-0.
West Indies will yet again be looking for answers to their miseries that surround
them. Since crashing out in the quarter-final at the World Cup, the team has lost
home series against Pakistan and India.
While they won the ODI series in Bangladesh, the victory came through the tough
route having lost the first match before bouncing back in the following two
matches. The absence of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo has proven
costly in recent times, and the young side will be looking to silence the critics
with impressive performances. Darren Bravo has been a revelation on the tour
and his teammates will look to draw inspiration from him.
Barabati Stadium in Cuttack hosts the day/night encounter. India have
lost only two ODIs in two decades at this ground. With the match being played
late in November, dew factor could be important and may affect the captain's
decision after winning the toss.
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