Delhi, India — The West Indies bowlers have a big job ahead of them on Wednesday as they go in search of eight wickets to win the first Test match against India at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. India will resume the fourth day on 152-2 still needing another 124 runs to win.
West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson believes his bowlers have it in them to bowl out India for a second time in this match. He noted it will require the discipline, control and accuracy they have demonstrated in the Test match arena this year.
"The first hour will be vital. We are hoping to get a couple of wickets in the morning session and put pressure on the Indians. Hopefully, the pitch keeps low tomorrow and takes some turn. We are looking forward to it. We are looking forward to coming out and giving it our all," Gibson said.
The four main bowlers in the West Indies attack – Fidel Edwards, Devendra Bishoo, Ravi Rampaul and Darren Sammy – have all taken over 25 Test wickets this year. They are backed up by Marlon Samuels, who has also bowled well so far in the match. In the first innings the West Indies bowled out India for 209 and the coach said the players are confident they can topple the home side a second time.
"As you have seen so far during this Test match things have happened in the morning session so we are looking forward to coming out and having a good morning session, get a couple of wickets early and put them under pressure. We have the bowlers who are capable of doing it," Gibson said.
India dismissed the Windies for 180 in the second innings thanks to a six-wicket haul by debutant off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Gibson said he bowled well.
"We always knew Ashwin was a quality spinner from the way he bowled in the limited-overs format and he bowled well here to get six wickets. He bowled wicket to wicket and with the pitch being a little up and down, he got the reward. Most of his wickets were not with sharp spin but with accuracy and balls which kept a bit low.
"That is what we need to do. We need to put the ball in the right areas and we will get the results. The match is far from over and we have to come out and bowl the way we did in the first innings."