India aim to sign off ODIs on a high

KINGSTON (Agencies) - Jolted by the massive loss in the fourth ODI, India would aim to get the crucial psychological edge over the West Indies before the Test series when they take on the hosts in the fifth and final one-dayer on Thursday. The ODI series is already in their pocket as the Indians have taken a 3-1 lead but they would try and ensure that the scoreline suggests domination by signing off 4-1. Berths in the eleven for the first Test match, scheduled to start next Monday, are up for grabs and those certain would aim to fall in a groove while those still on the edge would look to leave a definite impression on the team management. There are at least two batsmen and the fast-bowling combination which needs to be sorted out ahead of the Test series. India need two middle-order batsmen for the first Test. So, there is an added incentive for Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina, almost certainties, to familiarise themselves with the venue. The pitch at Sabina Park is expected to have pace and bounce and it would do a world of good to Kohli and Raina if they are able to spend some profitable time in the middle. Both have had at least one notable innings in the series but their runs and averages so far - 105 for Kohli at 26.25 and 82 for Raina at 27.33 - aren't very impressive. The only contender for a berth in the middle order, Subramaniam Badrinath, is way too behind in the race having made a mere 40 runs at 13.33 from four games and looking distinctly uncomfortable against short-pitched deliveries of Andre Russell in the fourth game on Monday. The biggest beneficiary has been leg-spinner Amit Mishra with nine wickets at 17 apiece from four games. He could revise the trend of going into a Test abroad with just one spinner. Squads: India: Suresh Raina (capt), R Ashwin, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh (vc), Virat Kohli, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishra, Munaf Patel, Parthiv Patel (wk), Yusuf Pathan, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Manoj Tiwary, Shikhar Dhawan. West Indies: Darren Sammy (capt), Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Adrian Barath, Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons.

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