“The proof of the pudding is in eating it,” was his way of delaying the verdict for a day. “Bowling well at nets is different from performing on the field,” he said, while explaining the context of the pudding metaphor.

If Munaf and Pathan are the contenders that Sreesanth has to worry about in the pace department, there is also Powar’s spin threat.

Dravid today made it amply clear that the experience of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh will be vital for the power plays in coming days.

So does that mean Powar can be written off? “I’ve not ruled out anybody. Ramesh has done a very good job for us in the opportunities he has got. But you must understand he is also competing with two of the greatest spinners in Indian cricket. Ramesh is probably going to compete with one of the pacers for a slot,” he said.

In the present circumstances that pacer could be Sreesanth, who seems to be weakest link as is Suresh Raina is in the middle order. The best eleven tomorrow features Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Kaarthick and MS Dhoni and they have a good chance to cement their places, considering the batting-friendly pitch and weakened West Indies.

The two top West Indian performers from Chennai — Dwayne Bravo and Marlon Samuels — have had an injury scare. That means Brian Lara will have look around the field during the mid-overs and life could be easier for India’s No 5, 6 and 7.

... contd.