ODI preview / Ed Hawkins / 04 December 2011 /

Ed Hawkins is not so down on the West Indies as they look to avoid going 3-0 down in the best of five series in Ahmedabad on Monday

India
The pressure is on Suresh Raina, who has had a lean time of it so far in this series. Another failure here could put his place in jeopardy when MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh are reinstated to the side, particularly with Virat Kohli scoring well.

Runs would also be handy for the opening partnership of Parthiv Patel and Virender Sehwag. They have scored only 60 runs between them in four innings so far. Parthiv averages only seven and ordinarily one would expect him to be axed but there is no other recognised keeper in the squad so he will be retained.

West Indies
Perhaps the oddest thing about the decline of the West Indies down the years is that the balance of their sides - particularly in one-day cricket - have mostly been pleasing on the eye. This team is no different. Andre Russell, coming in at No 9, gives them length to a tail and they have a good mix of crafters and hitters. Offspinner Sunil Narine could come in for Ravi Rampaul to give the Windies more spin options.

Venue and conditions
The average first innings score at the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahemdabad in the last 10 is 241. Thankfully, and rarely, the groundsman has been happy to chat about what we can expect. "The wicket here has always been good for batting, but the bowlers would also have a good time I believe, as they would be able to get good pace," he said. Dew could be a factor, however, so it could pay to chase. The field has been sprayed with a chemical to negate the effect of Mother Nature but it could still make a difference.

Match odds
Obviously there is no appeal in backing India at [1.39]. They are 2-0 up and looking cosy but we just do not get involved at such prices. Instead it is left to make a case for West Indies and we are not as down on them as perhaps we should be, given they are minus key players and are yet to win on tour.

They are [3.90] and although you balk at such a price, don't forget that England got nowhere near as big in their recent series and Darren Sammy's men have been far more competitive. They have traded as favourites in each of the first two matches and it would be reasonable to expect them to have a period of domination to make a back and lay pay.

What we like about the Windies is that they have players of explosive ability - Kieron Pollard springs to mind - who can change the course of a game in a few overs. Sure, it may not last but for canny punters it does not have to.

India, by the way, are looking for a 12th consecutive win at home. It would almost double their previous record (seven) which ran from 1981 to 1983.

Top India runscorer
Kohli is now 57 short of Jonathan Trott in the race to be the highest run-getter of the year in one-dayers. He has 120 runs in the series. He is [2.62] for a 50 and [5.10] for honours. Outshining him is Rohit Sharma with 162 runs. Sharma is [7.20] to be top bat and [3.00] for a 50.

Top West Indies runscorer
Lendl Simmons has 97 runs in the series, the best of his teammates. It is no surprise to see him scoring well. He has an uncomplicated approach to the game and swings through the line of the ball with confidence and timing. This can be an impediment on pitches which jag around but not in India. He is [2.76] for a 50 and [5.10] for top bat.

Back-to-lay West Indies @ [3.90]

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