PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Rain could play a major role in the opening Test between West Indies and South Africa starting here today, thwarting the hosts’ attempts to turn the page on the recent dreadful one-day series.
Heavy rainfall here this week, caused by a tropical weather system, has disrupted both teams’ preparation for the first match of the three-Test series and could be a factor when the match bowls off at 10 am Eastern Caribbean time at the Queen’s Park Oval.
West Indies, however, managed their full practice session yesterday but South Africa were not as fortunate and were forced indoors for their final preparation.
Once the rains stay away, West Indies will be attempting to reverse the ill-fortune that saw them whitewashed 5-0 in the One-Day International series and swept 2-0 by the Proteas in the preceding Twenty20 series.
It will be gargantuan task for the hosts but captain Chris Gayle said both teams would be starting on equal footing with the tragic ODI series already done and dusted.
“Both teams will be starting fresh and we will be looking to make the most of the opportunities we get in the Test series,” Gayle said.
“We created opportunities for ourselves in the One-Day Series and we did not take them, so will be looking to make sure we do when we get chances in the Test Series.
“It’s the long version of the game and we are in the right frame of mind. It is an opportunity for us and I know we are all capable of performing.”
Injury has robbed the West Indies of two key players for the match with classy stroke-maker Ramnaresh Sarwan and experienced pacer Jerome Taylor both ruled out.
With Sarwan gone, it means Gayle and veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul will bear the brunt of the batting and the Jamaican skipper said he was hoping to improve his form which was less than impressive in recent weeks.
“I had a disappointing run in the ODIs. I have always done well against South Africa in Test cricket so I am really looking forward to this series,” Gayle pointed out.
“It will be a tough series, they are quality opponents, but I am confident I can turn things around with the bat and make a meaningful contribution to the team.”
West Indies will carefully mull over the composition of their bowling attack, especially with Taylor out and speedster Kemar Roach struggling with a bad ankle.
Windward Islands pacer Nelon Pascal could be handed his Test debut while Dominican off-spinner Shane Shillingford could also be on the break of his maiden Test.
Gayle hinted at a possible debut for both players.
“It looks like a typical Trinidad wicket, it might be a bit slow. It is vital that we get a good start on the first day and look to move on from there,” said the tall Jamaican.
“We will look at the team closely and try to pick the best players for the surface we will encounter. You might see a few debutants, you never know.”
South Africa, meanwhile, head into the contest a confident bunch, unbeaten on the tour following a clean sweep in both T20s and ODIs.
Captain Graeme Smith said his side would try to make a smooth transition to the game’s longer form, and would also be wary of a West Indies side on the rebound after a string of poor results.
“The first Test is crucial in the series. Mentally we must make sure we are ready for the type of Test cricket we are going to play,” the heavy-set left-hander said.
“The West Indies have been away and re-grouped and have got a few new faces around them. They will be very motivated to bounce back after the one-day series loss.
“From our perspective it is about re-focusing ourselves to make sure that we make the last 15 days on tour positive ones for us.”
SQUADS:WEST INDIES – Chris Gayle (captain), Dwayne Bravo (vice-capt), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Travis Dowlin, Brendan Nash, Nelon Pascal, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Shane Shillingford.
SOUTH AFRICA – Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Dale Steyn, Paul Harris, Morne Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Johan Botha.
