India in West Indies 2006

Bowlers unable to put pressure in fourth innings - Reid

Cricinfo staff

June 17, 2006

'The conditions weren't close to what Kumble would like to have' says Bruce Reid of the flat West Indian pitches © Getty Images

Bruce Reid, the former bowling consultant for the Indian team, feels that a reason for India's poor bowling performance in West Indies is the inability of the bowlers to put enough pressure while bowling in the fourth innings.

"The wickets in West Indies can be really dead," Reid told The Indian Express. "You need bowlers who can bowl something at 90 mph or probably some luck. There is a lot of difference in bowling in the first innings and bowling in the last innings.''

On Anil Kumble, who has taken 13 wickets in the two Tests, at an average of 26.76, Reid said, "It is logical to believe that the conditions weren't close to what Kumble would like to have. The reason why he has succeeded so much on the sub-continent wickets is precisely because the he's got the much needed help from tracks that are sharp and turn viciously."

Reid, who is now the bowling coach for Hampshire, added that Irfan Pathan has progressed with every series and has developed into a very smart bowler. "But the rest of the attack is very young, very clueless about what is expected of them. You need to give them time, mate."

The third Test between India and West Indies begins on June 22 at St Kitts. It will be the first Test that the island has ever hosted.

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Stories

Harbhajan denies he could have made a difference

Lara helps Windies cling on to a draw

Roberts helps Pathan with action

West Indies hold on to force a draw

Players/Umpires

Anil Kumble

Irfan Pathan

Bruce Reid

Series/Tournaments

India tour of West Indies

Teams

India