Ajinkya Rahane’s ton extended India’s lead past 300.The classy middle order batsman remained unbeaten on 108. India declared on reaching 500 for the loss of 9 wickets. Only 46.1 overs were possible as rain arrived ending the final session without a ball being bowled.
Rahane along with Wriddhiman Saha started the day cautiously seeing off the new ball. The West Indian quicks hit the deck hard and bowled with a good pace. The going got tough for both the batsman as they bowled at a consistent length and line.Skipper Holder got the ball to move with the help of the wind and troubled Rahane with some outswingers. Just when both of them looked comfortable Saha was dismissed for a well made 47 by Jason Holder.
But Rahane stood firm showed composure and batted through some challenging phase.He also earned a reprieve off Devendra Bishoo when Chandrika put down an easy chance at point.Rahane batting with the tail got to his seventh hundred. Amit Mishra joined in the party when he took Bishoo over the stands.The lone bright spot was Roston Chase who claimed his maiden five wicket haul in his 2nd test match.
Rain added some more frustration to the mentally depleted West Indian side.Play was interrupted for an hour.Post break wickets started to tumble.Chase was pick of the bowlers as he sent back both Mishra and Shami off consecutive deliveries.Though wickets were falling at the other end Rahane continued his march towards a big one.He hit Bishoo for a six to get into the nineties.He got lucky again when he edged one just inches sort of the slip to bring up his hundred.India declared as soon as Yadav was out with the side 500/9.Rain ensured that there was no further action.
This was also India’s highest score at Sabina Park.
