Axe effect of Gayle does India in

The 1st test match between India and West Indies, as expected, has gone in the favor of India. Though there were several prominent missing links in the Indian ranks in the form of Sehwag, Gambhir, Sachin and Zaheer, still India was expected to complete the march in an astounding manner, with the depleted West Indies side.

Praveen Kumar has been a real find already in the early stage of this tour, and given the tour calendar this year, I am sure he is going to be a bigger threat to the swinging conditions in England to begin with, after this current tour. His way of using his arm to swing in any conditions speaks about his skillfulness. He does not bowl at 140-plus but puts the ball in the right areas, which confuses the batsmen whether to play or leave the ball. His wicket taking ability is sure one of the 4 main reasons for India to win the 1st test match

83-6 in the 1st innings of the 1st day of the 1st test match - and end up on a winning note - That is Test No.1 playing for you - The confidence with which it possess currently cannot be definitely shaken for the next 2 years atleast. Raina's innings of 82 with Bhajji was definitely a shot in the arm for West Indies. This partnership put a curtain to West Indies march from the 1st day itself. Raina is definitely a team player - he has learnt a lot on how to avoid the short stuff bowling and he is sure to create a lots of headache for Dhoni, as to who will be left out once the entire team is back.

Dravid's century in the 2nd innings has been a crafy-like innings. His attitude of being patient and make the bowler bowl into his areas was very much evident in this innings as well. He was truly brilliant and truly deserves the man-of-the-match award.

But one of the foremost reason for West Indies debacle atleast in this test match was the axing of Gayle which had a great effect on India. He has played the likes of Praveen Kumar, Ishant, Mishra and Bhajji and he has punished them throughout the IPL. With only 63 runs separating the two teams, his very presence would have had a telling effect on the outcome of this match. To me, this is the most important turning point of the 1st test - I am sure West Indies Board will call on Gayle for the 2nd Test.