The West Indies were struggling at 98 for five in their first innings, in reply to India's 201 all out, on a rain-hit second day of the second cricket Test at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Wednesday.
The experienced duo of Shivnarine Chanderpaul (20) and Marlon Samuels (21) were at the crease for the hosts in the
post-lunch session, first delayed and then interrupted by rain on resumption.
Play was eventually called off without a ball being bowled in the final session.
The hosts had resumed the day at an uncomfortable 30 for three but the health of their innings deteriorated further
after twin blows in the morning session.
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Chanderpaul and Samuels kept the Indians at bay for about 20 overs as they defied the ferocious fast bowling
trio, led by young Ishant Sharma. The pair added 41 runs in an unbeaten sixth-wicket stand.
The two batsmen ensured that the hosts did not suffer any damage further after losing both the overnight batsmen -- Devender Bishoo (13) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (18) -- to a brilliant spell by the gangling Ishant in a curtailed morning session.
Chanderpaul and Samuels scored runs at snail's pace but were, importantly, successful in protecting their wickets.
Earlier, Ishant struck twice as India reduced the West Indies to 82 for five at lunch.
Both Sarwan and Bishoo fell prey to the pacer's bounce as he bowled a spell of 6-2-23-2 this morning.
The day began 45 minutes late due to a sharp morning shower.
Gayle, Sarwan dropped, Samuels back for Pak ODIs
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Pacers will have to adapt themselves on this wicket: Dhoni
We miss Gayle's presence: Sarwan
Improved Ishant Sharma thanks Zaheer