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West Indies vs Australia - 1st test

At lunchtime on the second day West Indies are putting a better performance than may people expected. Most people, however, weren't expecting very much so conceding 400 plus runs in the first innings being a positive performance is a matter of perspective.

On the first day of the match Jerome Taylor is again injured. Not his back this time but a new hip injury, despite him being underbowled in the warm up match to prevent injuries from occurring. The person/ people who are responsible for the fitness and conditioning of Taylor need to be replaced very soon. Before his injury, he looked threatening sporadically but was guilty of being too wayward and expensive.

Ravi Rampaul made his test debut yesterday. At 25 years old he is still young but vastly experienced since we've all been hearing about him since the Under-15 level. There has been a lot of expectation placed on him and nervousness clearly showed yesterday. He was too short and too wide and was duly punished by the Australian batsmen. Bowled much better on the second morning as was rewarded with his first test wicket. Unlucky to have Darren Sammy drop his potetntial second.

Of the fast bowlers Kemar Roach looks the best so far. With a deceptively laid back run up ,he manages to generate real pace and has good control for it too. Hit the batsmen several times on the second morning. He has showed a willingness to bowl long spells, which will be called upon with Taylor's injury.

Suliemann Benn is unrecognizable from the player who made his debut for the West Indies last year. He has developed a full repertoire of deliveries and makes good use of his towering height to add extra bounce when he bowls. Showed yesterday and today that he isn't afraid to flight the ball and varied his pace well too. Probably the best West Indian bowler of the match so far.

Dwayne Bravo , as usual, is made things happen yesterday. Got the breakthrough West Indies needed to remove Simon Katich and got Clarke out when he was settling in for a long knock. Used his variations well to keep uncertainty in the minds of the batsmen and didn't let up through long spells. Never looked extremely threatening but still managed to be.

The fielding, unfortunately, has been the normal West Indian way. At times spectacular and at times poor.The West Indies need a full time fielding coach and must instill consistency if they are to be competitive in the field.

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