Windies battling as contest rests even

THE THIRD Test between West Indies and India was delicately poised at the conclusion of day two with India’s first-innings hero Ravichandran Ashwin expecting batting conditions to remain tricky.

Ashwin (118) and Wriddhiman Saha, with his maiden Test century after a six-year wait, continued their rescue of India’s first innings from 126-5 on Wednesday reaching 339-6 before another collapse saw them 353 all out.

West Indies reply was steady with Kraigg Braithwaite reaching 53 not out as the hosts made 107-1 by the close of play, a deficit of 246 runs.

The difficulty of scoring in St Lucia was reflected in the slow scoring rates, with India scoring at 2.72 runs per over and West Indies at below two-and-a-half.

“When we got together we were in quite a bit of trouble and it was one of those wickets where you are not in any time,” said Ashwin.

“There was a good chance that you might be nicked off or you might get a good ball any time. It was very difficult to score.

“There is definite help in the wicket.You have got to be patient, I guess. Long partnerships can come in but one breakthrough and somebody gets into a spell.”

Victory in the third Test would give India a two-nil in the four-match series, but Miguel Cummings, playing in his second Test, praised the West Indian’s fighting spirit.

“For me, the debut Test was very tough, because I was playing for the first time so nerves took in,” said the quick, who took figures of 3-54.

“I saw the [other] guys take wickets but didn't let that fluster me. I tried looking for wickets but my job was to build pressure.

“They are a very talented batting line-up, but we stuck to our plans.We had to keep fighting when they had the partnership.”