Barbados. A presumably bold decision from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a career best ten-for from Ishant Sharma and a late surge from Carlton Baugh (46 not out) were all down to dust as rain washed away any possibility of a result in the second test between India and West Indies. India added just 40 runs at the loss of 3 wickets when they resumed from their overnight score of 229 for 3 in the morning session. Mahendra Singh Dhoni then declared the innings, setting up a nagging 281 for West Indies to get in 83 overs. The decision looked wise as West Indies were soon reduced to 55-3, as both the openers and a senior pro Ramnaresh Sarwan were back in the hut.
These early blows pegged back Windies and a normally aggressive Darren Bravo was forced to play defensively with Shivnarain Chandrapaul and play out time. Chandrapaul played 87 balls for his 12 before getting out controversially to an LBW appeal from Harbhajan, replays confirmed that the off break would have missed the off stump. Soon Ishant removed Marlon Samuels for 9 and West Indies were reeling at 132 for 5.
India sensed victory, but Bravo was still there and when new man Carlton Baugh (46) launched a counter attack India back stepped as the target was gettable, 100 from 18.3 overs. Soon rain came calling again and the game was interrupted.
When the match resumed, Dhoni went for the kill with Praveen and Ishant from both ends but no luck came their way. Finally it was Mithun who got rid of Bravo who edged a simple catch to the Indian skipper. Six balls later Ishant got Sammy plumb in front to complete his ten-for and raise hopes for a thrilling end to the contest.
Unfortunately, just one ball later, umpires called off the match due to fading light. Setting up an anti-climax to what had been a riveting game of cricket.
No comments:
Post a Comment