Rain mars Test between Windies and India
Seasonal rain washed away a large chunk of play after Ishant Sharma helped India make early inroads in their third Test against the West Indies.
Only 19 deliveries were possible after lunch on day one, as the hosts reached 3-75 after they were sent in to bat at Test cricket's newest outpost, Windsor Park.
Sharma continued his impressive form to give the visitors early control before lunch, collecting 2-23 from eight overs.
As it falls in the middle of the Caribbean's hurricane season, the match was always going to be at the mercy of the weather.
The expected rain came 15 minutes after lunch.
India were beginning to come under pressure from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, not out on 17 in his record 133rd Test appearance, and fellow left-hander Darren Bravo, not on 22.
The pair formed an unbeaten 40-run partnership.
Before lunch, Praveen Kumar made the breakthrough for the visitors inside the first half-hour, when Test debutant Kieran Powell was caught at second slip for three.
Sharma then struck twice in the space of 12 deliveries, leaving the West Indies reeling at 3-35.
He bowled Adrian Barath for 12 and then fortuitously captured his second scalp when Kirk Edwards, another Test newcomer, was adjudged caught behind for six.
But TV replays suggested English umpire Richard Kettleborough may have erred in his decision, since the ball may have ricocheted from the helmet.
It was however, a series-high 18th wicket for the beanpole Indian fast bowler.
The home side dropped Lendl Simmons and Ramnaresh Sarwan to hand Test debuts to left-handed opener Powell and middleman Edwards.
No comments:
Post a Comment