Sports

Tri-nation Series: Jaded India face motivation test

Tourists in do-or-die situation against West Indies.

Afp July 04, 2013

With back-to-back defeats, India, deprived of MS Dhoni, will look to avoid elimination today. PHOTO: AFP

PORT OF SPAIN: India face a test of motivation and fitness against the West Indies in a must-win fixture for the World Cup holders as the Tri-Nation Series continues today at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

India are still smarting from the 161-run hammering administered by Sri Lanka on Tuesday at Sabina Park.

The team – now being led by Virat Kohli in the absence of the injured MS Dhoni – has had very little turnaround time before going back into battle.

They face a home side that is confident and riding high at the top of the standings with two wins in two matches in Jamaica, including a one-wicket victory over the Indians last Sunday.

Defeat today will end any chance of India reaching the final on July 11.

And while this may be seen as a huge embarrassment for the world’s top One-Day International side to be effectively eliminated less than two weeks after lifting the Champions Trophy in England, it does raise questions about the Indians’ ability to stay motivated in the midst of an intense period of almost continuous cricket going back to the start of the Indian Premier League at the beginning of April.

They looked a jaded, almost disinterested outfit in the field against the Sri Lankans and never mounted any serious challenge at the crease to the daunting target of 349.

However in coming to Trinidad and Tobago for the final stages of the tournament, they can expect significantly greater spectator support than in Jamaica.

For the Caribbean side, concerns remain over the fitness of Dwayne Bravo.

The all-rounder could not lead the team in the match against India because of a groin strain and it probably will not be confirmed until just before the toss whether he returns or if fellow Trinidadian Kieron Pollard will again be called upon to lead the West Indies.

Tickets have been completely sold out for today’s fixture, ensuring the sort of atmosphere in the ground that could be a boost to both sides, not just the hosts.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.