Ishant Sharma strikes twice before rain curtails India progress

Rain holds up the second day of the second Test in Bridgetown, but the paceman takes two wickets to leave West Indies on 98 for five in reply to 201.

BRIDGETOWN // India were held up by seasonal rain, and a defiant sixth-wicket stand between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels on the second day of the second Test against West Indies.

Only 25.3 overs in just under two hours were possible on the second day, as West Indies reached 98 for five, in reply to the Indians' first innings total of 201.

Ishant Sharma gave the visitors two early wickets, but Samuels, not out on 21, and Chanderpaul, not out on 20, added an unbroken partnership of 41 in between the showers to restore some stability to the hosts innings.

Sharma exploited a still lively Kensington Oval pitch and the overcast conditions, removed the nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo and Ramnaresh Sarwan in the space of four deliveries.

The Indian quick has been the most successful of the visitors' bowlers, taking three for 31 from 10 overs, after West Indies resumed on their overnight total of 30 for three.

Rain delayed the start of play by 45 minutes, but Sharma bristled with confidence, and gave India early success.

He had Bishoo caught in the gully for 13, fencing at a short, rising delivery in his seventh over, and three balls later trapped Sarwan lbw for 18 on the back foot with a delivery that moved back from outside the off stump.

The visitors failed to make any more breakthroughs, particularly when play resumed about half-hour after the scheduled lunch interval with West Indies on 82 for five.

They met resistance from Samuels and Chanderpaul before rain drove the players off the field, and tea was taken during the stoppage.

A restart appeared possible about 90 minutes before the scheduled close, but just when Abhimanyu Mithun was about to deliver the first ball, rain sent the players scampering again, and they never returned.

The weather forecast for the Barbados capital was not great — a flood watch was issued for the island by Met officials.

A tropical wave was affecting the island, and generally cloudy to overcast conditions, with periods of moderate to heavy showers, isolated thunderstorms, and occasional gusty winds.

The Indians are looking to wrap up their second straight Test series victory over West Indies in the Caribbean.

They will also be looking to create a piece of history by becoming the first Indian side to win a Test and one-day international series in the Caribbean — but they will also have to overcome their poor history here.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team still have reason to be optimistic — following a 10-wicket defeat for Sourav Ganguly's side nine years ago, West Indies have lost six of the last eight Tests they have played at this venue.