Not a totally meaningless series

The cricket world, or at least those in India, are scratching their heads over the staging of a four-ODI series in the West Indies at the end of a brutally long season. Partab Ramchand, writing on the Yahoo! website, finds one compelling reason for the series - a chance for India to end the season on a high.

Normally, a lightning four-match ODI series in the West Indies should not be of any particular importance. However, given the backdrop of the debacle in England the series has assumed uncommon significance for the Indian team. Dhoni obviously wants the team to do very well and win the series. It may be only a consolation win coming as it does after the disastrous showing in the World Cup but Indian cricket in the present situation will certainly welcome it.