Debasis Sen, Antigua: While leaving Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Wednesday evening, the eyes were drawn to a huge billboard with the picture of local boy Rahkeem ‘Jimbo’ Cornwall, who is all set to make his test debut. The billboard read ‘All Dreams are Possible’ as even a staunch Antiguan would not believed that Cornwall will be making his test debut in his hometown against India. It is believed the whole village of the youngster will be at the stadium to cheer for their boy.
The visitors thought will kick-start its campaign for the World Test Championship on a positive note, with some healthy competitions within the team for a spot in playing XI for the first test match against West Indies here from Thursday.
Indian captain Virat Kohli made it clear that he will prefer going in with four bowlers in the first test match at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium. Whether it will be three fast bowlers and one spinner or two spinner-seamer combinations will be decided after looking at the wkt in the morning. With Hardik Pandya rested for the West Indies tour, India will be inclined to play an extra bowling all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, both of whom can score some runs lower down the order.
Talking about the playing combination, Kohli said, “It’s more or less a choice between three quicks and a spinner or two quicks and two spinners. Last time England played here the wicket had a bit of variable bounce so all those factors come into play. We’re flexible at the moment about what the combination should be.”
With Rahane coming in at No.5, it will be a toss between Rohit Sharma and Hanuma Vihari for the sixth batsman spot. Kohli did not reveal whom India would pick, between the two, but he hinted that Vihari’s part-time offspin could be a factor in his favour.
“Vihari gives you a few overs with the ball as well. He’s a solid player. Rohit, we’ve been seeing it for years, so it’s about who provides the best balance in terms of the XI we want to choose.”
Rishabh Pant is all set to play as the wicket-keeper batsman which means Wriddhiman Saha will have to sit out . Pant batted with the first group at nets here at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium along with Virat and Mayank
As far as the bowling combination is concerned, Bumrah, Ishant and Shami will be the three pacers with Ashwin being the lone spinner. If the team management decides to go in with two spinners, then Ravindra Jadeja will get an opportunity.
The hosts though may go in with four fast bowlers like they did in the last test match played at the venue against England. Kemar Roach, Shanon Gabriel, Alzzarri Joseph and Jason Holder bowled West Indies to a 10 wickets win over England. With Alzzarri Joseph injured, Keemo Paul may get a nod in the playing XI.