WEST INDIES squandered their chances on the fourth day of their Third Test match against India at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Grounds yesterday.
From a solid start at the end of the second day and a washed out Thursday, West Indies collapsed in a pile yesterday to be bundled out for 225 in response to India’s 353. All of a sudden, a draw which had seemed the likely result with the washed out day now gives the Indians an opportunity to press for victory and the series today.
When we went to press shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday the Indians had reached 111 for three in their second innings for an overall lead of 239 with seven wickets still standing.
After rain washed out the entire third day’s play on Thursday, West Indies began their reply to the India first innings score of 353 ending day two on 107 for one. They were soon in trouble when play resumed yesterday quickly losing both overnight batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite (64) and Darren Bravo (29).
A fourth wicket partnership between Jermaine Blackwood (20) and Marlon Samuels (48) took the score past the 200 mark but both went soon afterwards and then the slide began. From 202 for three, the West Indies collapsed for just 225.
Samuels hit a six and seven fours in his 48 which took 109 balls.
In five overs before tea, India scored another 31 without loss and it was clear that the visitors were planning to pile on the runs in the hope of forcing a declaration and victory on the final day.
After tea Miguel Cummins followed up his three first innings wicket by causing opener Rahul to play one into the hands of Kraigg Brathwaite at second slip and he was out for 28. Then, for the second time in the match skipper Viral Kohliwas out cheaply, trapped leg before by Cummins for four.
At 72 spinner Roston Chase got into the act and accounted for the other opener ShikharDhawan leg before for 26 made of 48 balls. But Rahane and Rohit Sharma steadied the innings and were still together at the close with India in a good position to press for victory on the final day.