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Wriddhiman Saha best wicketkeeper in the world: Philo Wallace

Wriddhiman Saha scored his maiden century in the third Test against West Indies at St Lucia.

user-circle cricketcountry.com Written by CricketCountry Staff
Published: Aug 25, 2016, 07:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 25, 2016, 07:12 PM (IST)

Wriddhiman Saha waited for a long time to secure a regular spot in the Indian Test team © Getty Images
Wriddhiman Saha waited for a long time to secure a regular spot in the Indian Test team © Getty Images

Wriddhiman Saha had a good outing against West Indies, where he scored his maiden century as well. Former West Indies opener Philo Wallace believes that Saha is the best wicketkeeper in the world at the moment. Saha has now become a regular in the Indian team after MS Dhoni retired from Tests during India’s tour of Australia 2014-15. Saha is now the first choice ‘keeper for the Indian team and he is backed bu his skipper Virat Kohli and also the BCCI. Naman Ojha, who played one Test in Saha’s absence in Sri Lanka, will perhaps wait for some time to get his chance in the Indian team. READ: Virat Kohli credits Ravichandran Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha for series win vs West Indies

“I’m very impressed with Saha and I think he is the best,” said Wallace, according to timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Wallace also says that he is impressed with the way the BCCI has handled Saha, who was an understudy to Dhoni for over six years. “It was a pretty long wait for Saha as Dhoni was there. But I’m impressed that he was told that his time would come and he waited without losing patience and today he is reaping the rewards,” Wallace said. “A lot of times, if a player has to wait for too long, he may lose focus or interest and his career would go down,” he added.

Wallace also lauded the way BCCI has involved former cricketers to run the game. “Your board has put in place a system and involved people like Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman. They picked Anil Kumble as coach but most of the support staff from Ravi Shastri’s time have been retained which helps maintain continuity.” READ: India vs West Indies: Ravichandran Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha record 2nd highest partnership for 6th wicket overseas

Wallace rued the fact that the West Indies board were not professional administrators during his playing days and agreed to the fact that the current West Indies players lack skill and attitude.

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“The players should have more pride in their performance. And they should pick the best players to play for West indies. Look how Alzarri Joseph was dropped for this Test [in Port of Spain]. He was the most aggressive bowler in the West Indies camp in St. Lucia and bowled fast and in the right areas. The next match, you drop the young man. What will it do to his morale?” Wallace asked.