India's West Indies tour: Vivian Richards expecting nothing less than explosive action, makes big claim

West Indies legend Vivian Richards is pinning his hopes on the current team to pose a tough challenge to Virat Kohli's battle-hardened outfit in the upcoming assignments in the Caribbean. 

India will play three T20s, as many ODIs and two Tests in their upcoming tour of West Indies, starting August 3 in Florida, United States. The two Tests will be played as a part of the ICC Championship.

"India-West Indies series have always seen explosive action and I don't expect anything less this time around. With the current form of the West Indies team, I look forward to them giving a tough competition to the Indian side," Richards was quoted as saying in a media release issued by official broadcasters. 

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Putting the World Cup behind

West Indies Cricket Board recalled the veteran duo of Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, as they announced the 14-member squad for the first two T20I games against India.  West Indies had a disappointing World Cup run as they managed to pick up just two victories from nine outings, ending their tournament on the ninth position in the tournament table.  

"The West Indies and India have a long and colourful rivalry, and the series will bring more thrilling competition across every format of the game. We'll be seeing some of the World's best players go head to head in T20Is, ODIs and then in the new World Test Championship. West Indies fans, young and old, will have the opportunity to see some incredible cricket," said Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave in a statement.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who made a memorable Test debut in the West Indies in 1971, said he has "respect" for players from the Caribbean.

"West Indies will always hold a very special place in my heart since I started my career over there and have immense respect for their players," said Gavaskar. 

The Action awaits

India will play two test matches against Windies from August 22 to 26 and from August 30 to September 3 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua and Sabina Park in Jamaica respectively. These two matches will be the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship campaign, and it will continue being played over the next two years. The five-week Windies tour will also include three T20s and many ODIs following which the test matches will begin. 

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