All tied up, time to pull the string

For a change, the bowlers called the shots in the sixth one-day international between India and West Indies at Jodhpur. But it could be a te...

For a change, the bowlers called the shots in the sixth one-day international between India and West Indies at Jodhpur. But it could be a temporary phase in the series as warning signal No 6 has been hoisted for the bowlers at the newest international venue here where the seventh and final match will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium tomorrow.

The series is tied at three-all and the winners here take home the TVS Cup. The wicket, according to the curator, will be full of runs. The batsmen could be in for another batting feast unless there is something special for the spinners.

‘‘It is a good wicket,’’ said stand-in India skipper Rahul Dravid while his West Indies counterpart Carl Hooper echoed the same thoughts. ‘‘This track is no different. It is full of runs.’’

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Interestingly, Dravid felt that the ball may keep low. India have been so far hit by Gayle. It is something which Dravid and coach John Wright have acknowledged. But Wright stressed that bowlers, who did a splendid job at Jodhpur, should continue showing that kind of discipline.

Murali Kartik and Bangar have been the revelation of the series. Kartik is aggressive and bowling intelligently to check the rampaging West Indies batsmen. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, if he passes the fitness test, will play in place of Reetinder Singh Sodhi.

In the batsman-friendly series, it is Sehwag, Laxman and Dravid who are amongst the runs. But then Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif have not got the opportunity to bat. ‘‘You should understand the situation. They always come in difficult positions. They have not got the opportunity in this series,’’ said Dravid, who had a good match as captain and batsman in the Jodhpur tie.

Chris Gayle is the man of the moment for the Windies. This powerful Jamaican along with Wavell Hindis have taken a heavy toll of the Indian bowlers. But in Jodhpur he was checked and the Indians bowled to a plan, not giving the length to drive. And the West Indies missed the rapid start.

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Hooper is hopeful that his batsmen will continue in the same vein. ‘‘The tracks have favoured the batsmen. The bowlers should be accurate as far as possible on these flat tracks,’’ said Hooper. West Indies will miss Mervyn Dillon in this crucial tie. He is out with a back injury. The series has gone to the home-stretch. Interestingly, the last three home series have gone to the wire. The team which holds the nerves in the frantic run-chase will have the last laugh.