Pitch intrigues Lara and Chappell

St. Lucia, June 10 (UNI) The pitch at the Beausejour Stadium here is intriguing both the Indian and the West Indies team that play before the second Test match starting later today.

Both the two Tests that were played here ended in draws with the track playing slow and favouring the batsmen. But this time there is grass on the pitch but there are bare patches as well.

To top it all, the pitch has been heavily watered.

When asked how does he read this pitch, Brian Lara was not sure.

''Let's see what happens. Close to 200 runs have been scored in the last four or five innings here. Groundsman has not been able to produce one result, maybe so we see this kind of pitch. It looks different from the past,'' said Lara.

Lara also warned the Indian bowlers that a big innings from him was round the corner.

''I am disappointed in my performance in my last Test match and also in the ODIs. But I am experienced and I know where the mistakes are and I will correct them. Being an integral part of this batting line up I have to make major contribution with bat,'' said Lara.

The West Indies captain also said that bowling department was a bit of worry as Fidel Edwards was out and Correy Collymore not hundred percent fit.

''Collymore is 80 per cent fit but physician says he can play.

Fitness decision are not in my hands. If Correy is available its great for us. But off course as captain when top fast bowlers are questionable you have to be wary and I am concerned,'' said Lara.

India coach Greg Chappell also said that the pitch looked 'interesting'.

''It's interesting. Looking at the wicket reminds of old Sydney wicket. It is little bit patchy with some grass area, should be a good one if it's like Sydney, maybe a bit slower.

There are patches of grass that helps seamers but there are bare patches also that would help spinners. Pitch is bit of lottery,'' said Chappell.

About the combination, Chappell said playing five batsmen was being considered.

''We are looking at four specialist bowlers and one part time bowler, or five specialist batsmen,'' he said.

Chappell hinted that Irfan Pathan would be playing today.

''Pathan is feeling good about his rhythm and he would be considered. Harbhajan Singh has a bit of groin stiffness. So we went easy with him today,'' said Chappell.

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