Wringing in three changes, West Indies A proved that they meant business in the second one-day match against India A on Tuesday. Having squared the three-match series 1-1, they head into Thursday's decider with the home team still holding an edge.
Skipper Yuvraj Singh made a brilliant 123 in the first match and a confident 40 in the second. But it was the inability of the others to rise to the occasion that saw them lose the game on a wicket that was surely more helpful to the mediums pacers than the first.
The young Mandeep Singh sparkled in the first match but flopped in the second. Opener Robin Uthappa, despite playing at home in familiar conditions, has done little of note. So too Unmukt Chand and Kedar Jadhav. Wicketkeeper Naman Ojha also hasn't produced a big knock, although his work behind the sticks has been without blemish so far. Yusuf Pathan blew hot in the first match with a blazing 70 but was sent packing off the first ball he faced in the second.
While the medium pacers R Vinay Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat have done well, Sumit Narwal has had problems maintaining a good line and length and has often sprayed the ball around. Unlike Uthappa, Vinay has made the most of his home conditions, claiming five wickets in two games. But the spin department is yet to perform to potential with Rahul Sharma making way for Shahbaz Nadeem.
The Indian selection committee is to meet on September 30 to pick the side for the upcoming ODI series against Australia and as such, this would be the final chance for the aspirants to catch the eye.
The West Indies A would take heart from the fact that Jonathan Carter propped up their batting with a superb knock of 133 on Tuesday and also claimed two wickets. Miguel Cummins bagged four wickets to bring more smiles on their faces. Andre Russell, Kirk Edwards and Leon Johnson too showed that they could produce good efforts when needed. So the visitors would be more than eager for a repeat show.
But the form of skipper Kieran Powell and Narsingh Deonarine must be a worrying factor for them.
The Indians have the experience to take the visitors in their stride once more and bag the series provided they apply themselves to the task. They must start favourites once again.
The teams will play a lone T20 on Saturday.