JOIN USStuart Law is aware of the magnitude of the task. Playing India in India, even for heavyweights like Australia and South Africa, has been an insurmountable task in the recent times.
The West Indies coach, ahead of his side’s two-match Test series against Virat Kohli’s men, felt playing fearless cricket is the best option to challenge India’s dominance at home.
“Look we respect them but we aren’t going to fear (them),” said Law at a press conference here on Tuesday. Not many teams come here and conquer India. But we will give it all and fight it out.”
India’s world number 1 status and their wealth of experience can be intimidating for a faltering side like West Indies, who are placed eighth in the rankings.
“We shouldn’t let pressure affect us. We should find a way to stay focused and enjoy the game. I am happy with our preparations. Now, it is time for us to stop talking about our work and start implementing our plans on the ground,” he offered.
Ever since the squad was announced, Law has had to strategise a lot, especially in the pace department. The gifted Alzarri Joseph had to be replaced by Sherman Lewis due to injury. Kemar Roach, who flew home following the death of his grandmother, will not be available for the first Test.
“Kemar is one of our leaders and he will be missed. But we have unearthed a couple of young kids. Keemo Paul and Sherman Lewis, they have shown great interest to learn. They are fast and can swing the ball too. It’s better that India haven’t faced them. This unfamiliarity will help us,” he explained.
Law spoke on the role of spin, highlighting India’s difficulty to handle Moeen Ali in England. “We saw how Moeen took it to India. We have Roston Chase, who is taller than Moeen. He gets the same bounce and spin like Moeen,” he said.
Outplayed by England 1-4 in the recent away five-match series, India are a bruised side. But Law didn’t read too much into the result. “The scoreline suggests absolute domination from England but all the matches were a lot closer. India just didn’t land the knockout blow.
“But what would work in our favour is that they have many new faces. We would like to put them under pressure straightway,” he said.