Pacer Taylor deserves his place in the side

The World Cup Super Eights have now reached the second phase with all teams having played at least one game.

The West Indies in fact have played two, and sadly for the hosts, lost to both Australia and New Zealand.

The result means that their remaining games are virtually must-win affairs. The first of these is today, when Brian Lara and his men take on Sri Lanka.

West Indies had started the tournament well, with convincing wins against Pakistan, Zimbabwe and co-qualifiers Ireland.

Against Australia they looked a little off-colour, but their team selection, performance and body language against New Zealand was really insipid.

I was really surprised that the team management did not find place for Jerome Taylor in his team, and if he had bowled first, he would have felt the absence of his young pacer keenly.

Taylor had a bad outing against Australia, but he is now an integral part of the team. The ensuing rather public difference of opinion between the captain and the chief selector did not help matters either. Looking ahead, Sri Lanka are a dangerous side, and they have a very varied, high-quality attack. They are a good unit who have a never-say-die attitude. The way they fought till the end in the game against Sri Lanka was really impressive.

Good form

Their bowlers are in really good form, with both Lasith Malinga as well as Muralitharan turning in match-winning performances. I have been very impressed with Malinga, who has a unique action and good aggression.

There is also Chaminda Vaas in the attack, so it will not be wrong to say that they have the most varied attack in the fray.

However, their batting can be put under pressure with neither Kumar Sangakkara nor Mahela Jayawardene doing well so far. It's essential that West Indies go in with a good attack, so that these guys are put under pressure.

For the West Indians, the importance of a good start cannot be underestimated.

They have had early setbacks in every game, which has put them under some pressure. Wickets in hand are vital if you have to do well in the West Indies, and I would like both Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to really commit themselves to providing their side with some solidity at the top.