Rain gives WI time, India six wickets away from win

It was expected to be the rainiest day of the Test, and that’s the way it panned out. A tropical storm, Earl , threatening play on Day 4 at Kingston, allowed a total of only 15.5 overs to be bowled as weather took center-stage at the Sabina Park. But in that while, the good news from India’s perspective was that they were able to take a giant step towards making the series 2-0 in their favour. In their second innings, West Indies scored 48 runs, but more importantly lost four wickets in the only session of play.

As no further play took place, West Indies might have headed back to the dressing room all smiles. But with the weather expected to be much better on the fifth and final day – no possible rain – and the home team still a good 256 runs behind, the result seems to be moving towards only one possible outcome. India look favourites to wind things up soon.

Rain or no rain, West Indies batsmen continue to not spend time at the crease. Despite abrupt showers washing away the first almost 90 minutes of the day, the West Indies top order was on a slide, again. First, they did whatever they did to ensure India declare with a lead of 300 runs and then replied with yet another abysmal show with the bat.

Indian bowlers made the most of overcast conditions and a pitch affected by rain. But neither of that can take any credit away from the bowlers, who stuck to a definite plan. Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami bowled it short, full, offcutters and legcutters. The Windies batsmen never picked any of it. Their last three wickets fell for seven runs. Amit Mishra came and picked up a wicket in his first over itself. Such was the lack of application from the hosts.

Brief scores: West Indies 48/4 and 196 all out (Brathwaite 23; Shami 2/25) trail India500/9 decl by 254 runs.