Fidel Edwards is not the most articulate man. Did he think the delivery that reverse swung and crashed through the defences of Rahul Dravid in the second innings of the first Test in Delhi was his best? “I won't say that, but it was a good delivery.” What are his thoughts on the Newlands Test where South Africa rolled over Australia for 47? “Nah, didn't really watch that game.”
So, it was no surprise that Edwards divulged little when asked how the West Indies planned to combat India’s openers, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, in the second Test, starting from Monday.
“Keeping them from scoring and getting them as quick as possible will be good for us,” the 29-year-old pacer said.
Sounds like a good plan, without the how part. But the truth is, in the Delhi Test, Edwards had looked like the man most likely to get both Sehwag and Gambhir out early.
Hard luck
He would have too during a fiery spell with the new ball, but for a catch that did not stick and a no ball. Eventually, he finished with two wickets from the match: Sachin Tendulkar in the first and Dravid in the second.
For the West Indies to get back into the series, which Edwards said would be “very tough”, they have to break the opening partnership quickly. Although that will only bring to the crease Dravid, the most difficult batsman Edwards has bowled to. “He's known all over the world as The Wall,” Edwards said. “It’s hard to get him out.”
{{/usCountry}}For the West Indies to get back into the series, which Edwards said would be “very tough”, they have to break the opening partnership quickly. Although that will only bring to the crease Dravid, the most difficult batsman Edwards has bowled to. “He's known all over the world as The Wall,” Edwards said. “It’s hard to get him out.”
{{/usCountry}}However, Edwards is not losing hope. “We pushed them in the first Test. Hopefully we can push them again and you never know what will happen.”
Edwards hopes it will happen at Eden Gardens, where he will play his 50th Test.
Tall hopes
Edwards knows he is not the tallest fast bowler around. “Watching guys like Walsh, Ambrose and Bishop bowl — all of them were six foot or probably taller than that. Me, I would love to have had that height, but I am what I am.” The West Indies will hope all good things come in small packages.