India crawl in Barbados

India survived a torrid morning session from the West Indian fast bowlers to build a 155-run lead just minutes before tea in the second Test at Barbados yesterday. The tourists, who led by just 11 runs on the first innings, increased their advantage with eight wickets in hand in a low-scoring match when they inched to 143 for 2 in 56 overs on a rain-hit day. They were 62 for one at lunch on the fourth day at Kensington Oval. West Indies made an early breakthrough when they dismissed opener Murali Vijay for three after he feathered a catch to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh off paceman Ravi Rampaul. But Abhinav Mukund, who was unbeaten on 27 when lunch was taken, and Rahul Dravid (18 not out) kept their wickets intact despite some hostile West Indian bowling. Dravid, whose century in last week’s first Test in Jamaica gave India a 1-0 series lead, had a lucky escape when he was on nine and spooned a catch to Adrian Barath at midwicket, who tumbled sideways to claim the catch low to the ground. But the Indian stood his ground and, as is almost always the case with low catches, the slow-motion video replays proved inconclusive, so he was given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to stay. The previous two days had been interrupted by heavy rain and the start of play was again delayed by morning showers, jeopardising the prospects of a result with only five sessions remaining and more foul weather forecast. Mukund was eventually out for 48 after lunch but Dravid (48 not out from 155 balls0 and VVS Laxman (26 not out from 84 balls) stonewalled the West Indies bowling to put India in a comfortable position.India’s slow progress, however, indicated that they were intent on a draw. They lead the three Test series 1-0 following their win in the first Test last week.Meanwhile, India fast bowler Ishant Sharma gave credit to Zaheer Khan for saving his career. The 22-year-old fast bowler took a career-best six for 55 in the second Test against West Indies on Thursday at Kensington Oval, becoming the fifth youngest bowler to capture 100 Test wickets. “I am thankful for Zaheer always stressed to me the importance of fitness,” said the wiry fast bowler. “I never took it seriously. Now I realise how important it is for a fast bowler to be fit. “I also tried to copy someone else, and it affected my pace and rhythm.” “From (the last) IPL onwards, I began realising why my body tires, how it recovers. With so many matches and travelling around, I learnt how to train and give of my best.”