We will look to dominate from day one, says Walsh

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There's this interesting ad - a sort of promo for the upcoming Carlton and United five-Test series between India and the West Indies - featuring Courtney Walsh.

The screen comes alive with typically Caribbean images - sun, sand, sea, surf, cricket on the beach, samba, the works. And then segues to a shot of Walsh relaxing in an easy chair, and with his characteristic half-smile, drawling: "The West Indies is famous for fun and relaxtion. Don't expect too much of that, though, if you are an Indian cricketer."

As good a way as any, I suppose, to underline the tough task the Indian cricket team is up against as it prepares for battle in the Caribbean. It is a battle, what is more, that has to be won on many fronts. The physical, as the team struggles to stay at peak performance level after 12 months of continuous cricket. The mental, as Tendulkar and his men fight to shed the image of a team that can only win at home; fight, too, to overcome the morale slump consequent on a 2-0 defeat at the hands of South Africa recently. And, of course, the actual cricketing battle - which will be fought against the bats of Hooper and Lara, the bowling of Ambrose and Walsh...

Friends, in course of a casual discussion, argued that this could be a series between two teams hell bent on trying to see which could play more below par than the other - an argument that derives from a recent Windies tendency to throw the form book to the winds and play with a shocking lack of application, vide the recent series against Australia.

Somehow, though, I suspect that Walsh and his men are going to be coming at India right from the get-go - for there is nothing quite as lethal as the West Indies cricket team, when their national pride is stung to the quick.

Walsh, in fact, indicated as much on the eve of the team selection when, announcing that he was fully recovered from his recent hamstring injury, he said that the goal of his side would be to establish its ascendancy right from the very first ball bowled in the first Test at Jamaica on March 6. "I am hoping that we can make a positive start against the Indians and dominate the coming series," the Windies skipper told the media. "I am eagerly looking forward to this series. I feel a lot more refreshed, revitalised and ready to do battle."

Interestingly, Walsh - who has been resting his hamstring ever since he returned from Australia - will test his fitness when he turns out for the Jamaica team in the tour game against the Indians beginning February 28. "I have been working out over the past couple of days and my leg has responded well," Walsh reported. "I am feeling pretty comfortable now."

Walsh admitted that consistency has not been the West Indies hallmark of late, but tended to argue that it was merely the sign of a side in the transitional phase. ""Australia should be looked at as a learning experience," the Windies skipper said. "It is now up to the team to show the people what they have learnt, how good they are."

In a rather roundabout fashion, Walsh indicated that the shoddy attitudes that had characterised some at least of the West Indies players during the recent Australian tour would not be tolerated during the home season. "The thing about a home series is that players are constantly on test, it is far easier for us to call on new players to replace out of form ones than if we were on tour," Walsh pointed out.

Interestingly, Walsh believes that like his own side, India is also passing through a transitional phase. "The Indians are rebuilding their side, this must be kept in mind when reviewing their recent performances," Walsh pointed out. "They have a pretty good all-round team and they bat fairly deep. It's a good, young team they are rebuilding, though they didn't do as well as they were hoping to on the recent tour to South Africa."

At a personal level, the 34-year-old captain will be hoping that in course of the five Tests his side will play against India, he can edge closer to the cachet of becoming the highest wicket-taker in West Indies Test history. At present, the record is held by Malcolm Marshall, who has 376. Walsh himself has 328 wickets to his credit, and is obviously looking to add quite a few to that tally when the Indians pad up against him. "The idea is to do well as a team, not pursue individual landmarks. But obviously, you do set goals for yourself, to motivate yourself, and if I can get to 350 wickets before the Indian series ends, I will be happy," said the ace fast bowler who, judged in the West Indies context, has proved more durable than any of his predecessors.

As for how much longer he can continue playing at the top level, Walsh is pretty sanguine about his prospects. "Right now, I am taking it a tour at a time, playing as long as I am enjoying my cricket and doing well for the side. Only time will tell how long I can keep going."