Rain continued to play spoilsport as India bowled out West Indies for a modest 204 with Ishant being the pick of the bowlers yet again. Resuming the day at 75/3, the hosts lost Chanderpaul and Samuels early on as the Indian bowlers went about their task in typical fashion. Chanderpaul’s disastrous series continued as he was worked around by Munaf Patel. Patel drew him forward and forced a nick to the birthday boy Dhoni.
Ishant shines on a rainy day
Patel continued his impressive spell as he hit Samuels on the helmet with a bouncer before the West Indian replied in style with two boundaries. The contest flattered to deceive as Samuels was dismissed from the other end when he dragged a short ball from Praveen Kumar onto the stumps. West Indies were reduced to 99/5 and were falling apart.
But they took the attack to the opposition as Baugh played aggressively with Bravo giving him good company. The duo cut and drove as they brought up the 50 run partnership in only 66 deliveries as they looked to grab the initiative from India before Ishant cut short the partnership with a nagging around the wicket line to Bravo. After getting two balls that left him, one nipped back at him and found his edge even as he looked to withdraw the bat as Dhoni collected his second catch of the day. Sammy started aggressively with a couple of boundaries and a six before Harbhajan got him to play one to the forward short leg. Harbhajan didn’t take long to get to the 400 wicket mark as he castled Baugh who compiled a well made 60. Ishant completed the formalities getting rid of Edwards and Bishoo in no time to get his second consecutive five for.
The Indian openers had played only four overs before rain and bad light interrupted play forcing the umpire to call stumps. With only 80 overs played in two days and with more showers expected over the next three days, the match seems to be headed for a draw as Ishant’s five for, Baugh’s colorful batting and Harbhajan’s 400th wicket were the highlights on a rainy day at the Windsor Park in Dominica.
Tags: 3rd Test, Cricket, Harbhajan Singh, India, Ishant Sharma, Test Match, West Indies
