Rahul Dravid continued his dogged defiance, but India lost two wickets – both to Devendra Bishoo – in the last half-hour before lunch in the first Test against West Indies on Wednesday, sliding to 166 for six.
Dravid was unbeaten on 69, but India lost Suresh Raina for 27 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni for 16 to the West Indies leg-spinner just before the interval on the third day at Sabina Park, as the visitors increased their lead to 239.
Raina was caught at leg-slip for 27, gloving a delivery off Bishoo into the legs of wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr before the ball lobbed to West Indies captain Darren Sammy. In typical fashion, Dhoni played a few rousing strokes, including a straight six off Bishoo before he cut the final delivery before lunch straight to the cover fielder, much to his disappointment. India had been set back early, after they continued from their bedtime total of 91 for three, when Fidel Edwards had Virat Kohli caught behind down the leg-side for 15, leaving the Indians 100 for four.
Through it all, Dravid remained unflappable, playing a typically resolute innings, striking eight fours from 203 balls in close to five hours of batting. He reached his 50 from 139 balls in grand style, with a back cut off Ravi Rampaul for his sixth boundary, sharing 48 with Raina before Bishoo intervened. Bishoo has been West Indies’ most successful bowler with three for 41 from 16 overs.
