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India crushed the West Indies by an innings and 15 runs at Eden Gardens to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match test series. "These bowlers can bowl quick. But the good thing is that all the bowlers took up the responsibility well. It doesn`t matter who is taking wickets. They are hunting in packs which is important," Dhoni said after his side wrapped up the match in the post-lunch session of the fourth day. "Overall, I am happy with the performance. We got off to a good start and then the middle order capitalised. The fast bowlers gave us breakthroughs and then the spinners capitalised," he said.
Opting to bat, India piled up a mammoth 631 for seven declared in their first innings and then shot out the tourists for 153 to take a huge 478-run first innings lead, which according to Dhoni set the stage for the comprehensive win. "We batted well. The 400-plus lead really helped us. This was the reason why we won the game comfortably," he said.
However, the Indian bowlers had to toil in West Indies` second essay as after following on, they scored 463 before being bowled out. And, Dhoni said patience was the key to success for his bowlers in the Caribbean side`s second innings.
"It was a long fielding session in the second innings. We got them out quite easily in the first innings. But the wicket got flat in the second innings. So, it was very important for us to bowl patiently. It was a patience game. Darren Bravo batted well along with Chanderpaul but we knew a couple of wickets can open the gate," he said.
Despite losing the match and the series, West Indies skipper Darren Sammy lauded his batsmen for their gritty show in the second innings and said Indian willow-wielders showed them the way. "I would like to commend the guys the way they played in the second innings. Bravo played well for his second century. Kirk Edwards, Adrian Barath also played well at the top and then Marlon Samuels. I think it was a good fight," he said.
"India showed us how to bat on this wicket. It calls for application. I think we were in a hurry in the first innings, we lost wickets in cluster, but we showed character in the second innings." Sammy was all praise for Darren Bravo, who led the fightback for the West Indies with a gritty 136, only his second Test century, to delay the inevitable. "From the time Bravo made his debut he showed signs of brilliance. Hope he continues the same way," he said.
Man-of-the-match VVS Laxman, who scored an unbeaten 176 to help India pile up the huge total in the first innings, said he shares a special bonding with Eden Gardens. "I have always enjoyed playing at the Eden. It`s a special place to play cricket. The atmosphere and spectators make it special," he said. "It is a great moment for us especially after the England tour. We hope to finish on a winning note in Mumbai," he added.
Laxman also said that batting alongside Rahul Dravid (119), with whom he shared 140 runs for the fourth wicket in the match, has always been special for him. "I always enjoyed batting with Rahul. It is always a great feeling." He also had words of appreciation for the Eden wicket. "The wicket was little on the slower side but overall it was a good test wicket," Laxman concluded.
