Almost a month ago on a crisp Caribbean morning, the Windies were promptly blown
away by a game-faced Indian squad for the small sum of 85 in a warm-up match.
The upside was of course the supply of all the required cold-water needed to
awake the local hosts to the enormity of the upcoming tournament task ahead.
Almost a month later, it is Australia's turn this time to apply the required
bucket of cement to return the team to earth with a thump after their Jamaican
frolic.
This was a strange game played one inning per day by teams who played 180
degrees apart from each other in terms of tactics and attitude.Australia continued
to apply their now patented format of foundation construction built by busy running
and then blasting through the final 10 to another 300 total. Their bowlers then all bowled
stump to stump and fielders shadowed every ball and that was that.
As 2 by 4 a win as ever there was.
The Windies blew psychological and strategic opportunity after opportunity with
the ball in their hands and when given a bat, showed little comprehension as to
what it was to be used for. So much did it mirror India's bizarre batting
effort against Sri Lanka (with Lara in Dravid mode) that I had to often blink my
eyes to ensure that this was a live broadcast unraveling before my eyes (Maybe
there really is a Matrix and this was a repeat glitch being played out,
comments?).
The upside, again a timely wake-up call for the Windies at the right time. That
they made 200 also ensured an o.k. run-rate was maintained - and this shall be
critical almost a month from now.
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