India vs Windies, 1st Test - Windies Predicted XI

In the last few years, any clash between the Indian side and the Windies has not been pretty competitive barring the T20 encounters. Once there was a time when both these sides would tussle with such an intensity that entertainment was almost guaranteed. Things are pretty similar when they face in the shortest format, but same can’t be said in Tests.

The Indians are at the helm of the Test rankings and enter the series as the firm favorites to win both the games in Rajkot and Hyderabad. Both these stadiums are expected to provide exceptional batting tracks and bowlers are expected to work out of their skins.

Not many of their batsmen barring Shai Hope and Kraigg Brathwaite look accomplished enough to lock horns with the subcontinental side right now. Nevertheless, their skipper Jason Holder would be hoping for a decent show from their players if they show some character and intent, the fans will have a lot to rejoice.

Here’s the predicted XI of the Caribbean for this game.

Openers (Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell)

Kraigg Brathwaite is not the tallest of individuals in the side, but he has the composure to stand tall and play marathon knocks. He can stick in the crease for long periods and that’s an important characteristic to survive on spinning subcontinental tracks.

Kieran Powell will be the aggressor in this partnership and the southpaw will be eager to get some runs after his name. He didn’t have a great outing against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and will be a little skeptical about scoring runs against the best spinning side in the world.

Middle order (Shai Hope, Sunil Ambris, Shane Dowrich (wk))

Shai Hope’s twin centuries in England will not be forgotten so easily but the 24-year-old. registered just one fifty in the last five Tests he has played. He will be eager to get some runs against the best side in the world. Sunil Ambris slammed a century in the warm-up game and he might bat higher in the order, probably at number 4.

The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich will come in the lower middle order and a good knock from him is pretty imperative to ensure their innings doesn’t collapse and they end up giving away the momentum to the hosts.

All-rounders (Roston Chase, Jason Holder (C), Keemo Paul)

Roston Chase is an important all-rounder in the side and a decent contribution is expected from him. He might be batting at number 4 or 5 as well and holds a big responsibility in the side. The other young all-rounder in the side is Keemo Paul, who is still establishing himself at the international level.

Jason Holder is more of a bowling all-rounder, but he’s no less than anyone in his lineup when it comes to batting prowess. The tally lanky pacer’s major contribution will remain with the ball, but he might promote himself to bat at number 7.

Bowlers (Devendra Bishoo, Jomel Warrican, Shannon Gabriel)

Apart from the off-spin of Roston Chase, Windies will be banking on the spin due of Devendra Bishoo and Jomel Warrican. Indians might not be very aware of Warrican, but in the past, they have played Bishoo a lot and they will try not to let him get on top of them.

Shannon Gabriel is one of the quickest pacers in world cricket right now and his extra pace will be crucial in outfoxing a few batsmen. He has been performing consistently in recent times and a good performance here can do his career a world of good.

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