Rahul Dravid has reminded his critics why he remains instrumental to India: with his 32nd Test century he has put India firmly in charge of the first test against the West Indies in Jamaica. Dravid had came under pressure after his barren South African Tour with rumurs circulating that his position within the India test team might no longer be ensured.
But Dravid did what he does best – reply to his critics with the bat: as wickets were tumbling at the other end, the Wall produced another masterclass on a challenging Sabina Park track with a lot of turn and unpredictable bounce. Dravid was at his unyielding best – patient and gritty in grinding down the opposition. His approach of slow and steady cricket left West Indies a mammoth total of 326 to chase.
The West Indies got their improbable chase of to a positive start reaching 58 without loss after 10 overs, but it was not long before the Windies fell victim to a mini-collapse caused by inexperience and poor shot selection: Barath went fishing for a wide outswinger from Kumar, Sarwan's horror match continued when he poked at a wide delivery from Sharma and Simmons played all around a fullish delivery from Sharma that held its line perfectly.
At stumps on day 3 West Indies were 131/3 with Chanderpaul and Bravo at the crease. India are now favourites to wrap up the Test Match.