West Indies' perfect answer

If Sri Lanka can bat on their pitch, why can't West Indies?

Wavell Hinds and skipper Brian Lara answered the question with superb handling of spin wizard Muttiah Muralithran and his fellow bowlers on the third day of first test between the two nations at St. Lucia.

Resuming from second day's 161 for 1, West Indies reached 272 for 4 at the end of the play called off due to heavy rain while replying Sri Lanka's 354. Only 41.2 overs were possible in the third day when rain forced to end the day.

Hinds reached his century before being run out 113 off 143 balls that included four sixes and eight fours. Hinds failed to reach his line after being sent back by Lara when Marvan Atapattu's throw came straight to wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana. Hinds added 174 runs with Lara to consolidate the host's innings. It was indeed a brilliant effort from Hinds after being given a chance by Prabath Nissanka at mid-on off seamer Chaminda Vaas at 86.

Lara, 36 overnight, remained unbeaten at 93, just a few runs short of his yet another test century. Lara, along with Hinds, showed no respect to whatsoever attack Sri Lanka could offer. They played similarly, stroking around the ground, to both fast and spin attack. Lara has already played 190 balls and hit 8 fours.

The only good moment arrived for Sri Lanka 17 balls before the stop of the play when Ramnaresh Sarwan, 7, fell to Muralitharan. Sarwan gave a catch to Atapattu.

Marlon Samuels is unbeaten at 5. Play will resume earlier on the fourth day to compensate the loss of hours.


Posted by Ujjwol