India vs West Indies: Key battles to watch out for
India will be aiming to get the maximum out of the ICC World Cup 2019 clash against West Indies at Old Trafford on Thursday. Both teams have some big players on offer and the contest between bat and ball could get interesting Here are the key battles to watch out for.
Jasprit Bumrah will test WI openers
Jasprit Bumrah's accuracy and consistency with the ball will test the West Indian openers. JB has variety in his armor and his short balls in particular could trouble Shai Hope. Also, JB will relish the battle against Chris Gayle, who scored a fifty in the previous match against New Zealand. Bumrah will need to keep things tight against Gayle and not offer any room.
Indian spinners will relish bowling against Pooran and Hetmyer
India's wrist-spinners will be relishing to bowl against Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. Both these powerful West Indies youngsters have batted well in the ongoing World Cup. Their ability to be aggressive will be put to test by Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The Indian spinners have not given away many runs and the two could force Hetmyer and Pooran to give a charge.
WI pacers need to be smart against India's top order
West Indian pacers cannot keep bowling on the shorter side to the Indian top order. This could lead them to get punished. Sheldon Cottrell will target Rohit Sharma and try to get the ball to swing in against him. Jason Holder's offerings against Virat Kohli will be a pleasing sight. He will need to bowl tight outside the off stump and tease Kohli.
WI will focus on India's middle order
India's middle order will be eyed upon by the Windies. That's where the role of Carlos Brathwaite becomes crucial. Windies may be tempted to play spinner Ashley Nurse. Both these bowlers will need to tie down India's middle order. As far India is concerned, the batsmen have to find a way and rotate the strike better. Windies need to field well.
An intense battle on the cards at Old Trafford
The match is set to start at 3:00 PM IST. The weather is expected to be dry and mostly sunny. India go into the match as the favorites. Meanwhile, Windies need to find inspiration from somewhere and put up a fight.
