Tourists’ form could water down series

Actor Rajinikant was the cynosure at Chepauk a couple of days ago when he went on fast to protest against the Cauvery water issue. The cine ...

Actor Rajinikant was the cynosure at Chepauk a couple of days ago when he went on fast to protest against the Cauvery water issue. The cine star attracted a good crowd for his effort. The spotlight will again be at Chepauk this week as the second cricket Test between India and West Indies gets underway from Oct 17 to 21. The match will be played on a newly-laid pitch which is expected to be a sporting wicket.

Javagal Srinath in discussion with teammates Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra during practice at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. Express photo

Both the teams had a practice session today. The Caribbeans, who lost their first Test at Mumbai in four days, are under tremendous pressure to salvage some pride. The West Indies, who were world beaters in the past, are struggling to win Test matches now.

But India coach John Wright knew that the West Indies, even with this present line-up, were capable of making a strong comeback. In fact, they had shown some promise in their warm-up match against the President’s XI at Bangalore, especially with batting. After their loss in Mumbai, skipper Carl Hooper was understandably wanting to make some changes. The moment he landed at Chennai airport, he hinted about the changes in in his team.

Tracking the Caribbeans

CHENNAI: Cricket always has had special fans, but it is more than unique to find a man travelling with his national side for 33 years wherever it plays. For Lester Armoogam, a West Indian of Indian origin settled in Trinidad for generations, tracking the West Indies team means more than anything.

The cheer leader who is here to witness the second Test between India and West Indies, expressed hope that the present team led by Carl Hooper would come good in two years.

Speaking to reporters at the M A Chidambaram Stadium here, where the West Indies players had the nets this morning, the retired businessman said he had been following the team since the Indian team led by Vijay Hazare toured his country.

Sporting badges shaped into flags of all cricket playing countries on his hat, Armoogam, who was seen interacting with the West Indies players, named Sir Garfiled Sobers as his all-time favourite, though Brain Lara is also his favourite. He picked Shivnarain Chanderpaul when asked about his current favourites. On the decline of the West Indies team, Armoogam said the current players seem to be ‘‘playing for themselves’’ while the past cricketers like Sobers, Kanhai, Basil Butcher played with dedication and application. (Agencies)

‘‘We have to guard against complacency. We have got to keep our feet on the ground,’’ Wright told reporters on his arrival here late last night along with some team members including vice-captain Rahul Dravid. Underlining that the second Test would be tough, Wright said the West Indies could not be taken lightly. ‘‘I’m sure they will come back stronger,’’ he said.

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Meanwhile, about 1,500 police personnel will be deployed on security duty for the match, informed the joint commissioner of police C Shylendra Babu. ‘‘As part of the security work, CCTV sets would be installed at many places in the stadium to monitor the crowd behaviour,’’ said Babu.

He appealed to the spectators to bring food and water only in light plastic containers. He also insisted those who bring the National flag to cheer the Indian team should not dishonour it.

Elaborate security arrangements had also been made at the hotel where both the teams would be staying, he added.

Tamil Nadu Cricket Association president N Srinivasan and secretary CR Vijayaraghavan told a media conference the ticket sale for the match has been reasonable. They said the total value of tickets is over Rs 80 lakh. Tickets worth Rs 40 lakh were sold till Monday.

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‘‘Our priority is the comfort of the audience. In this regard we have taken all required steps. We hope all the tickets will be sold and wish the spectators should get to see a competitive match,’’ they stressed.