Rain mars third West Indies-India Test

Sharma takes two early wickets to set pace for tourists.

ROSEAU:

Seasonal rain washed away a large chunk of play, after Ishant Sharma helped India make early inroads into the frail West Indies batting on the first day of the third Test.

Only 19 deliveries were possible after lunch, as the hosts reached 75 for three in their first-innings, after they were sent in to bat at Windsor Park.

Sharma continued to bowl impressively to give the Indians early control before lunch, collecting two for 23 from eight overs.

India were beginning to come under pressure from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, not out on 17 in his record 133rd Test appearance for West Indies while fellow left-hander Darren Bravo was not out on 22, the pair adding 40, unbroken runs, for the fourth wicket.

“It feels good to reach this landmark. I just want to keep doing my best in every match,” said Chanderpaul.

West Indies team manager Richie Richardson, a teammate of Chanderpaul’s when he made his Test debut, paid tribute to his outstanding career.

“When Shiv first came into the team years back, you could see the desire to play for a long time. He has worked hard over the years and it is great to see him reaching this landmark,” said Richardson.

Before lunch, Praveen Kumar made the breakthrough for India when Kieran Powell was caught at second slip for three after which Sharma struck twice in the space of 12 deliveries, leaving the West Indies reeling on 35 for three.







Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2011.