Thaindian News

Bridgetown (Barbados), June 30 (IANS) The unbeaten stand between West Indies’ pair of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels is a crucial partnership which will determine the future of the hosts in their second cricket Test against India, according to coach Otis Gibson.

Chanderpaul was unbeaten on 20 and Samuels 21 and the pair had built up an encouraging 41-run partnership as the West Indies ended a rain-affected second day Wednesday at 98 for five in their first innings. Only 25.3 overs were possible as rain washed out most of the day’s play at the Kensington Oval here.

“We are looking forward to the third day. The second day was badly rain-interrupted and that is history. The pair at the crease has done a good job for us so far and there is plenty ahead of them. We know what Chanderpaul can do and he has showed a lot of application in his innings so far,” said Gibson, the West Indies coach.

“Marlon is now coming back into the team and he has looked good so far. He is really looking forward to this opportunity in this Test and hopefully he will continue to show the fighting skills he has demonstrated. He came in at a crucial time and has played well so far. We expect him to continue. This is a crucial partnership as there is still a lot of cricket left in the match,” he said.

Gibson was happy with the performance of his bowlers, who restricted India to 201 in the first innings on the opening day.

“The bowlers again did their job very well and they deserve the praise. It is good to see them putting in the hard work and getting the rewards,” he said.