Windies turn to shrink for revival

India won the opening match in Kingston by 63 runs after another spectacular batting collapse by the hosts. The continuous batting slump has left the team management struggling to find a way out, and Webster coming on board looks like a last ditch effort to help the batsmen get going.

Webster held his first session with the team on Sunday as the players got together for their first session at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. There was steady rain early in the day but the groundsmen are confident the excellent drainage facilities will not let the pitch preparation be affected.

The latest batting collapse saw West Indies selectors dump vice-captain and middle-order batsman Brendan Nash, who scored 1 and 9 as his poor form continued. The selectors have replaced him with Barbados opening batsman Kirk Edwards, who is yet to play in Tests. It could, however, make room for the inclusion of the experienced Marlon Samuels.

Barbados fast bowler Kemar Roach is also a candidate after the 22-year-old in-form paceman was left out of the Kingston Test to accommodate Fidel Edwards, coming back after a two-year break due to back injury.

Former Barbados volleyball skipper Curtis Gaskin, a good club level paceman, turned up to bowl at the nets while fast bowler Ravi Rampaul took his time to join the training session after being called up to provide the urine sample for a random dope test.