India secure series win with draw

Tuesday, 12 July 2011 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MIAMI, July 10 (Reuters) - India wrapped up their series against the West Indies 1-0 on Sunday when the third and final test ended in a draw in Dominica after a fine rearguard action from Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

India, who won the opening test in Jamaica then drew the last two, were 94 for three in their second innings, having been set 180 to win, when the players shook hands and agreed to an early finish after tea on the fifth day.

West Indies effectively saved the match after making 332 in their second innings, Chanderpaul finishing with an unbeaten 116 after putting on a crucial 37 over, 65-run partnership with Fidel Edwards (30) for the ninth wicket.

Chanderpaul celebrated becoming the most capped West Indian in tests with his 23rd ton in a 133 tests and it was a typically gritty innings from the Guyanese left-hander.

He lost Darren Sammy early, the West Indies captain caught at short-leg off Harbhajan Singh although television replays suggested the ball had struck only his pad.

Then Ravi Rampaul was run out as West Indies looked set to fold before Edwards came in and produced his best score in test cricket, showing grit and focus.

Chanderpaul, who struck just five fours from 343 deliveries and was named man of the match, was clearly annoyed when Edwards finally lost his patience and holed out to Praveen Kumar at deep mid-off of the bowling Raina.

Raina’s part-time spin quickly took care of Devendra Bishoo as India finally finished off the West Indies tail.

There was time enough for India to reach the target of 180 with around 47 overs expected to be available but their attempt got off to a poor start.