Indians need not fear Oval pitch

For a change, the Indian cricketers won't be fazed by what they see in the middle at Kensington Oval this morning.

In the past, the visible grass at both ends might have sent shivers down their spines as they anticipated shaping up to Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner in the 1980s and Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Ian Bishop more recently.

Now, on the evidence of their victory in the second Test in Port-of-Spain last week, they reckon they can give as good as they can get.

There's a covering of grass just about a fast bowler's length at both ends so there should be something there for them, said Richard Prof Edwards, the former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler who is overseeing the preparation of the pitch.

The middle appears bare as the grass has been rolled in but it is live grass and the roots should bind the surface.

Edwards said the pitch should be similar to that used for the South African Test last year basically good for batting with some help for the fast bowlers on the opening day and responding to spin towards the end.

First innings totals then were 454 (South Africa) and 387 (Barbados) before the bowlers came into their own to produce an exciting draw with the West Indies hanging on at 88 for seven at the end.

Head curator Henderson Davis was a busy man from as early as 5:45 a.m., until late in the afternoon, as he and his force worked tirelessly.

Everything is top-class right now, Davis said. Preparations have been going good, and we're just waiting on the start of the match now.

Another groundsman also revealed some of the rolling of the pitch had been done whilst covered with plastic, which is expected to assist with retaining moisture and prevent cracks from forming.

Edwards complained again about the overuse of the square that is used for practice by the resident Pickwick Club during the domestic season and then has to host Busta Cup matches leading up to the Test.

It really needs plenty of work on it but there is not enough time to do what should be done, he said.

When India were last in the Caribbean, Kensington produced a bowler-friendly pitch on which India, set 120 to win, were bowled out for 81.

Since then, there has been criticism that it is too easy-paced. Last-day rain led to a draw against England in 1998, Brian Lara's unforgettable 153 not out brought the West Indies victory by one-wicket in 2000 and there have been tight draws with Pakistan and South Africa since.

All four Busta Cup matches staged there this season brought outright results.

India controversially dropped their leading spinner, Anil Kumble, a bowler with 320 Test wickets to his name, and went with three fast bowlers at Queen's Park.

Javagal Srinath and the left-armers Zaheer Khan and Asish Nehra vindicated the decision with 16 of the 20 wickets between them.

They are certain to retain the balance, even if Kumble, because of the bounce his high action could achieve, is brought back for off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

The West Indies are also likely to keep four fast bowlers, Pedro Collins replacing Marlon Black to lend variety with his left-arm, over-the-wicket method.