Thaindian News

Kolkata, Nov 14 (IANS) Even as India seem poised for a big score, West Indies coach Ottis Gibson feels the two late wickets would help his side bounce back on day two of the second cricket Test here Tuesday, keeping alive their chances in the series.

India lead 1-0 in the three Test series after winning the opener at Ferozeshah Kotla, Delhi.

“I think the two late wickets will help us bounce back and keep the series alive,” Gibbson said after India finished the day at 346/5.

Part-time spinner Kraigg Brathwaite snared centurion Rahul Dravid in the penultimate over, while Kemar Roach - bowling with the new ball - saw the back of nightwatchman Ishant Sharma in the unfinished last over on day one of the Eden Gardens Test.

Giving credit to his bowlers for toiling hard on a “hard day for us”, Gibbson said: “But it is no use cribbing as this is the nature of the sub-continent’s wickets.”

“In that sense, Kemar bowled particularly well. He bowled three really good spells and we hope he improves further as the game proceeds,” he said.

Roach was preferred over off spinner Shane Shillingford for the final eleven in place of the indisposed Ravi Rampaul

Justifying Roach’s selection, the coach said the team management took into account the Indian batsmen’s proficiency against spinners.

“We took into account the historical evidence of Indian batsmen’s success against spinners. And with Kemar, we thought he could use the extra pace. Overall, he has filled Rampaul’s boots quite well,” he reasoned.

He disagreed with a questioner that his team had delayed taking the new ball, Skipper Darren Sammy opted for the new ball in the 87th over.

“I don’t think we delayed in taking it. In fact, bowlers can come back fresh on Day 2 and attack with the new ball which is hardly an over old. Besides, not taking the new ball itself got us a wicket in the form of (Rahul) Dravid who was simply exceptional.”