India in position of strength against WI

BRIDGETOWN: Veterans V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid both hit half centuries Friday as India moved into a position of strength on day four of the second test against West Indies at Kensington Oval. The tourists pushed their second innings to 229-3 at close, an overall lead of 240.

Laxman, in his 122nd test, compiled an unbeaten 72, his second half century of the match. The 36-year-old cracked six fours off 171 balls in 225 minutes. The 38-year-old Dravid, in his 152nd test, struck three fours in 55 off 171 deliveries.

Opener Abhinav Mukund also chipped in with 48 as the Indian top order flourished on a day cut short by 80 minutes due to morning rain.

Fidel Edwards led the West Indian attack with 2-58. Edwards' pace mate Ravi Rampaul (1-51) struck in his second over of the day once the showers had relented.

Murali Vijay failed to add to his overnight 3, getting a thin edge through to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh as he nibbled at Rampaul's perfect outswinger. But Mukund and Dravid fashioned the first of three consecutive half century partnerships for India either side of lunch.

Both batsmen had some anxious moments in the morning session.

The hosts thought they had claimed the key scalp of Dravid for 9 as the right-hander clipped Darren Sammy's medium pace to Adrian Barath at forward square leg. But the catch was taken so low that on-field umpire Asad Rauf sought the assistance of third umpire Gregory Brathwaite. After numerous replays were inconclusive, Dravid was given the benefit of the doubt.

Mukund had to shake off a nasty blow to the side of his helmet from Edwards in the penultimate over of the session.

Their stand was worth 63 when Edwards claimed Mukund two short of a maiden half century an hour after lunch.

The 21-year-old from Tamil Nadu received a brute of a bouncer and gloved behind where wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh leapt to haul in the catch. Mukund struck six fours off 81 balls.

Dravid and Laxman further dulled the hosts by adding a further 65 before they were separated just after tea.

West Indies had missed another opportunity to remove Dravid at 32 when Darren Bravo's throw missed the mark with the batsman well short of his ground.

Dravid eventually fell to Edwards, sparring at a short ball wide of off stump and deflecting a catch to Ramnaresh Sarwan at slip.

But Laxman and Kohli steered India to stumps in an unbroken stand of 75.

Kohli survived a bouncer examination early up and ended 26 not out off 98 balls. His first scoring shot, off his 19th delivery, was a satisfying pull for six off an Edwards lifter.

Laxman survived two close calls, pulling Devendra Bishoo close to Bravo at midwicket when 31 and then, at 65, driving a low return catch that Sammy could not hang on to.