India played the 4th day, without any rains, to end the day at a patient 229/3. Old Stalwarts Dravid and Laxman played again the crucial role, despite very disciplined bowling by WI bowlers. India’s slow but safe 2nd innings has almost pushed the Test to a draw. Now on final day the stage is open for all three options, although probability of only the 2nd draw at Barbados appears the most.
Second Test Scorecard
Second Test: Day 1 Review
Day 2 & 3 Review
Kings of Half-centuries: Dravid and Laxman
Indian 2nd Innings: Was it overcautious Approach
Indians played entire 4th day losing only three wickets and scoring more than 200 runs. To win the test match from here on the final day, they must lose remaining 7 wickets in a flash, and let the West Indies batsmen successfully play a good ODI to chase almost probable 300-runs to lose the match. In the first test-match slow approach was justified as they had enough days to set a winning target. But did they go too slow on 4th day!! Or Safety first approach was better!!
Murali Vijay’s struggle continued and he went early in the inning. Mukund survived for long but lost his wicket in 2nd session falling two runs short of what could have been his maiden test half-century. Later Dravid, who gave the glimpse of a repeat slow patient knock of the seconf innings of first test, lost his wicket after completing his 11th half-century against WI.
Laxman in the company of Virat Kohli added unbeaten 75 run for the 4th wicket to take India to a commanding position although, a win would need taking 10 West Indies wicket, probably in two sessions on the final day – a bleak probability without the cooperation of West Indies batsmen.
West Indies Bowler
Edwards, Rampaul, Sammy and Bishoo made it difficult to score runs for the Indians. Unfortunately they failed to grab wickets earning only 3 of them after slogging for complete day. Yet they would be happy that by not allowing Indians to score runs with better run rate, they are not in a threatening position to lose their first test against India at Barbados. Only a WI batting collapse on 5th day can get India the much sought-after victory at Barbados now.
Draw is the Buzz Word
7 Indian wickets or an earlier declaration on final day morning and then either a good chase by West Indies or 10 WI wickets by India – the scenario to produce result appears hypothetical unless one of the teams decide to take extra risk in search of elusive victory that both need for different reason. India needs to create history at Barbados, while WI want to get the qualiser for the current series.
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