Dhoni shines as India build lead over Windies

CRICKET: ROSEAU, Dominica, July 9 (AFP) - India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni led four batsmen with half centuries that put his side in a formidable position in the third Test against West Indies on Friday. Dhoni, a struggler for most of the series, was unbeaten on 65, propelling India to 308 for six, replying to West Indies’ first innings total of 204 at stumps on the third day of the rain-hit game at Windsor Park.

Left-handed opener Abhinav Mukund supported with 62, V.V.S. Laxman scored 56 and Suresh Raina made 50.

The visitors took advantage of a West Indies attack hamstrung by an illness that sidelined fast bowler Ravi Rampaul to give their strongest batting performance of the series. Dhoni added 103 for the sixth wicket with Raina either side of tea, taking the fire out a West Indies fightback which saw India reach 182 for five at the break. The India captain reached his 50 from 96 balls, tapping a delivery from his opposite number Darren Sammy to mid-off for a single that also brought him his 3,000th Test run.

He has so far struck just three boundaries from 109 balls. Raina brought his 50 up in 102 balls, working a delivery from Devendra Bishoo into square leg for a single. But the left-hander fell in the very next over, when he was trapped lbw to Fidel Edwards in the first over with the second new ball, leaving India 275 for six. He hit three fours from 103 balls.

Earlier, Mukund and Laxman steadied India, carrying them to 102 for two lunch after losing Murali Vijay and Rahul Dravid. Vijay’s poor form on this trip continued when he was caught behind off Fidel Edwards for five, and Dravid, whose 212 runs prior to the match was a series-high, was bowled by Sammy for the same score.