Test Series Preview - West Indies v India

A Test series begins in the Caribbean today, as the First Test between the West Indies and India is played. India regularly struggle on tours. They haven't beaten the West Indies in the Caribbean since 1971.

The West Indies will be lead by their batting as usual, with Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan among the world's best. Chris Gayle has improved but has no great opening partner. Their bowling continues to be of great concern however, with Dwayne Bravo being the best bowler (and all-rounder). They have no reliable spinner. The West Indies should struggle in this series.

India are without talismanic Sachin Tendulkar, but still have great batting on their sides with Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag. Gambhir has also become a reliable opener over the past year. Mahendra Dhoni gives India the advantage in wicket-keeping. The bowling is fronted by left arm paceman Irfan Pathan, and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. They are without Anil Kumble, however.

India are clear favourites to win this series, and I can only see them winning quite easily. India's bowling will help to strangle the West Indies' batsman, whereas their own batting should be free to flourish against the West Indies' lackluster, one-dimensional attack.