Wednesday's match against the West Indies is a big one for India because it’s
one step closer to finalising their team for the World Cup.
And it’s equally big for the West Indies because it's
their last international match before the World Cup.
Harbhajan Singh, the Indian spinner, will know the answer
in just over a week, just like the rest of his teammates, However, his skipper
seems to have a fair idea.
"We basically had an idea what we thought would be a good
15 and obviously about 17 or 18 players were fighting for that slots. We have
a good idea where we want to be, all things remaining the same, injuries notwithstanding.
The guys who we think are back to full fitness like Irfan, Munaf and Yuvraj,"
said Rahul Dravid, Captain Indian Cricket Team.
At this stage, the captain says it won't be possible to give everyone the same
number of opportunities.
Psychological advantage
And that is the reason Sreesanth, Ramesh Powar, Gautam Gambhir
and Suresh Raina, will not be playing the final one-dayer.
Neither will an injured Munaf Patel, who seems to certainly be in the team management's
plans for the World Cup.
"Watching Munaf in the nets was a great positive. His
fitness was one thing we wanted to find out," said Rahul Dravid,
Captain Indian Cricket Team.
On the other hand, the tour of India has given the West Indies
what they had wanted - international competition before the World Cup at home.
"We are a team that normally either wins very easily or
loses very easily, without any fight. And I did mention to the guys that even
though we lost the first two games, we showed a lot of fight to take India that
close in their hometown. It is just a matter of clearing up our act and winning
a few games. I expect us to win tomorrow and the series two-all,” said
Brian Lara, Captain, West Indian Cricket Team.
They know a win on Wednesday would not only help them draw
the series but also maintain that psychological advantage over the Indians in
the big event.
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