The West Indies would have ideally wanted to come to Vijayawada after winning the series in Jodhpur itself. However, the pendulum swung the other way with India ensuring that they remained in the running.

That said, it’s good for cricket when a series is alive till the last match like in this instance. It’s very rare to see that happen in a seven-match series, but since both teams seem to be sparring without being able to land the knockout blow, we now have a final on our hands.

We have a few injuries in the squad with Mervyn Dillon yet to be fully fit. Jermaine Lawson has joined the squad, and this means we still have some options in the bowling department even if Dillon is not available. I spoke to Carl Hooper and he said that the facilities and conditions are similar to the ones you find elsewhere in India. I guess both captains are too preoccupied with the business of finishing the series on a winning note to be worried about other stuff.

The game at Jodhpur brought some sanity back into the series. The bowlers had the upper hand for a change and with the wicket being a trifle slow, bowlers from both sides varied their pace quite expertly. It was a surface on which the bowlers felt that the slower they bowled, the more effective they would be.

Such wickets are the true test of a batsman. It tests your ability to adapt your style, restrict some strokes and also redetermine your target score. I think the West Indies batsmen took a little too long to figure all three out and fell short of the ideal target by 30 runs. This was a little disappointing, but the bowlers did bowl well to make the Indians fight for their win.

Once again both sides dropped crucial catches. This is one area that needs to be addressed by the management of both teams. We have seen far too many chances go down at important moments.

Eventually, I think tomorrow’s match will be won by the team that manages and plans their innings better. The West Indies have played great cricket in the series so far, and if they do win tomorrow, they will be deserving winners.

For the Indians, the road has been much tougher than they expected, especially after trouncing us 2-0 in the Tests. However, West Indies have been doing quite well in one-dayers this year, with a win over New Zealand before coming here. They will be very eager to win an away series before the World Cup. They are just one match away from claiming the TVS Cup. I know they can do it, but it remains to see whether India will allow them to.

Other Articles by Vivian Richards:

• Indians outclassed in all departments at Vijayawada (26 November 2002)
• Too many crucial catches have been dropped (24 November 2002)
• Ganguly's absence could hit the Indians hard (21 November 2002)
• Gayle put me in mind of Lloyd (18 November 2002)
• A Sarwan century would be the icing on the cake (15 November 2002)
• The West Indies must carry their momentum (9 November 2002)
• A crucial series for the fringe players (5 November 2002)
• The West Indies playing for pride (30 October 2002)
• Getting Dravid out early is crucial for the West Indies (17 October 2002)
• Indian tour a golden opportunity for youngsters (9 October 2002)

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