India fight back against West Indies
Vangipurappu Laxman and Suresh Raina shared an unbroken century partnership to lead an Indian fight back on the opening day of the second test against West Indies on Tuesday.
June 29, 2011 / 08:42 IST
Vangipurappu Laxman and Suresh Raina shared an unbroken century partnership to lead an Indian fight back on the opening day of the second test against West Indies on Tuesday.
Laxman, a master of saving his team from precarious situations, once again came to the rescue, scoring an unbeaten 69, while Raina hit 52 not out in a fifth wicket stand of 109 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.The pair guided the tourists to 147 for four at tea, still far from safety and with plenty of work ahead of them, but in much better position than when they came together before lunch with India in deep trouble at 38-4.India, who have never won a test in Barbados, once again showed their frailty on lively pitches, losing four early wickets as the West Indian paceman exploited the extra bounce and moisture in the deck.Ravi Rampaul captured three early wickets, including two in three balls, while Darren Sammy claimed the prized scalp of Rahul Dravid, whose second innings century in Jamaica ultimately decided last week's first test.Rampaul struck in the second over of the day after West Indies had won the toss and elected to stick the Indians in first, catching Abhinav Mukund by surprise with a delivery that rose steeply.The ball hit high on the bat and flew to Marlon Samuels at gully, who held a simple catch to send Mukund on his way for one.Sammy, who had dropped Dravid in the field in Jamaica, gained some revenge when he dismissed him for five with a superb delivery that caught the edge of the bat and presented wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh with the straightforward catch behind.Then Murali Vijay, who made just 11 off 75 deliveries, departed when he was caught down the legside off Rampaul and Kohli went for a second ball duck when he failed to play a shot at a bouncer that kicked up sharply and brushed his gloves.India limped to lunch at 44-4 but added 103 runs in the middle session without any further casualties, Laxman reaching half-century off 75 deliveries and Raina passing fifty from 90 balls. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
