Young stars ready for big task today

West Indian happiness and joy evaporated four overs from the end of the second day’s play yesterday at the Queen’s Park Oval when West Indies captain Brian Lara was dismissed for an enterprising 91 (3x6s and 10x4s).

He missed the chance to get his first Test century on his home ground before his adoring fans. Lara led the charge and held centre-stage when, together with his younger compatriot Daren Ganga, they restored West Indian hope with a heroic 158-run third wicket partnership. West Indies faced a challenging 376 to save the follow-on after Australia declared their first innings closed at 576 for four wickets after 132.5 overs. But all is not lost and Trinidad and Tobago’s senior captain continued his impressive batting form for the West Indies team and was undefeated on 69 at the close of play on the second day of the Second Cable and Wireless Test match.

He scored a disciplined maiden Test century at Bourda in his first match in the Caribbean. But he lost his compatriot and West Indies captain Brian Lara at 183 and the homesters require an additional 190 runs to save the follow-on as they reached 186 for three wickets when stumps where drawn.

Today’s play will reveal the strength of character of the talented younger West Indies players. And Ganga is ready to respond to the challenge. In an short interview yesterday, Ganga said: “Greater discipline and responsibility is required to pull us through. The pitch is slow and a few balls will keep low, so we have to apply ourselves and take advantage as the situation arises. Right stroke selection will bring  rewards and we will fight very hard to save the follow-on and narrow the scores.”

Ganga complimented Lara for giving the innings the bright spark. “Lara batted brilliantly and gave the innings the impetus. It was unfortunate that he got out when we were going well. There is a lot of responsibility on Sarwan on myself. We are ready to give it our best shot and stay in the match,” Ganga said.