Couch Critic takes a look at the second One Day Internationals between West Indies and India which takes place in Trinidad on Sunday 11th August.
SETTING THE SCENE
Well it’s a case of let’s try this again then. Let’s hope we don’t have the rain in (Port of) Spain for this one…
The most interesting thing to come out of the opening game, or rather first 13 overs was the team selections. India opted for Kuldeep Yadav as their attacking spin option alongside Jadeja whilst the Windies copied that strategy in the form of Fabian Allen joining Roston Chase as slow options for the home side.
Surely one of the most picturesque grounds in world cricket, the Queen’s Park Oval hasn’t hosted an ODI since June 2017. Interestingly enough India were also the opponent in this game two years ago and Shai Hope was the home team’s top scorer in a rather tame reply to the 300 the Indians were able to post in a 43 over reduced match. Kuldeep will also have found memories of playing within view of the mountains and the ocean in Trinidad as he returned three wickets on that occasion.
LET’S TALK TACTICS
The fact of the matter remains that the Windies need to find a way to break through the very formidable top three. The man tasked primarily with this crucial job will be Kemar Roach and the fiery quick will have to be at his best to topple the likes of Sharma, Dhawan and Kohli early.
The Universe Boss looked off the pace in the short first outing and with young lads Lewis, Hope, Hetmeyer and Pooran around him the men in maroon need their senior campaigner to show them the way.
HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT
In terms of the bets I like here is how I see things paying out to make us some money in Trinidad mon.
My thoughts remain the same here: Kohli doesn’t miss out all to often and given the fact that the ODI series is now only two games long he will be looking to make his mark as soon as he gets to the crease.
Chahal seems destined to spend some time on the bleachers and his replacement is arguably equally dangerous. Kuldeep has tasted plenty of success in the islands and also took the only wicket in the short bit of play we got in the opener. There might eb a touch of assistance for the quicks early but after that this track should still prove to be a touch slow and thus suiting Yadav to perform.
With the willow I see it as a straight shootout between home time boy Evin Lewis and Hope to perform best for the hosts. I will switch allegiance on this occasion to the man playing at this ground and with a touch of confidence behind him now.
Best Bets with BETOLIMP:
Batsman to score a fifty – Kohli YES @ 1.83
Top India Bowler – K Yadav @ 4.40
Top West Indies Batsman – E Lewis @ 5.50
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
