Daijiworld Media Network - Sports

Kingston, Jun 20: Though serious injury problems are plaguing some important cricketers on the Indian side, cool captain, M S Dhoni, does not appear to be loosing his confidence or composure, as India prepares to take on West Indies in the first test match of the series, which is set to begin today.

Munaf Patel and Murali Vijay are almost certain to miss the first test. This could deliver a big blow to the team,  as senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Veerendra Sehwag, Gautham Gambhir and Zaheer Khan have already pulled out the tour due to fitness problems.

In spite of these odds, captain Dhoni is hopeful that Patel will be fit to play today. He says that if Vijay cannot make it to the final 11, then there is no other option but to bring in Prithvir Patel as the opener along with Abhinav Mukund, the 21-year-old batting sensation from Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka star, Abimanyu Mithun, has still not joined the team due to visa problem. He is expected to reach West Indies by June 20 night.

India's opening bowling attack is expected to be led by debutant Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma. Since the pitch is expected to give help to the fast bowlers, Indian bowlers need to give consistent performance within the resources available.

Both Harbajan Singh and Amith Mishra are expected to make the final 11, as spin attack is the backbone of Indian bowling.

With the presence of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina along with the captain himself, Indian batting looks formidable, at least on paper.

If Virat Kohli makes it to the final 11, there will be three players, who will get the test cap today, Abhinav, Praveen Kumar and Kohli himself.

On the other hand, West Indies looks confident, as the pitch provides support to the fast bowlers. Fidel Edwards, Kemar Roach, Ravi Rampal and captain, Darren Sammy, can trouble Indian batsmen with their talents.

In batting, though Chris Gail's absence has affected the hosts, opener Lendl, Bravo and Saravan are in good form, and expected to carry on with their ODI magic in test too.

One has to wait and watch to find who will become king at Jamaica Kingston, after the first test match starts here on Jun 20.

Ten Cricket television channel will telecast the test live from IST 8.30 pm onwards.