India bowlers seize early advantage in final Test

West Indies 75-3 v India

India were frustrated by the weather in the third Test at Dominica's Windsor Park yesterday with only 19 balls bowled in the afternoon session before rain brought play to an end for the day with West Indies on 75 for 3.

The tourists headed into the encounter – the first Test ever staged at Windsor Park – looking to seal a 2-0 series win and reaped the rewards of winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The Windies were 35 for 3 in just the 17th over. Ishant Sharma claimed two wickets with Praveen Kumar snaring the other – the pair between them accounting for debutants Kieran Powell (three) and Kirk Edwards (six).

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, playing in his 133rd Test and passing Courtney Walsh as the Windies' most capped cricketer reached 17 not out by the tea interval along with Darren Bravo (22 not out).

Powell, playing in place of Lendl Simmons, barely got comfortable at the crease before being caught by V V S Laxman at second slip off the bowling of Kumar. Opening partner Adrian Barath followed, bowled off an inside edge by Sharma for 12.

Edwards, who replaced Ramnaresh Sarwan, became Sharma's second victim when he was caught behind by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. That left the hosts on 35 for 3 but brought Bravo and Chanderpaul together in the middle, and the pair saw West Indies safely through to lunch with no further loss.

Only 3.1 overs were possible in the afternoon session before the covers were required. The drizzle persisted until the players took tea, but the rain got heavier soon after and play was called off for the day.