India declare at 500/9 on day 3, Rahane unbeaten on 108

India declared at 500/9 in their first innings as heavy rains forced play to be called off for the day.

Officials from both boards had meetings in Florida last week to discuss the staging of the matches at the conclusion of India’s ongoing four-Test series in the Caribbean. Asked about the possibility of tropical storm Earl hurting India’s chances of a win in the second Test, Rahane said: “We can’t control the rain”.

Rahane moved into the 90s with a six over extra cover off Chase before edging the same bowler past slip for four an over later, to bring up his landmark.

Rain delayed the start of the fourth day’s play between the West Indies and India at the Sabina Park here on Tuesday.

The 400-mark had come up for India in the 141st over, as well as the lead crossed the 200-mark. When Amit Mishra and Mohammed Shami got out, I told Umesh Yadav to play normal cricket.

Even the weather could not save West Indies as only 15.5 overs were bowled before lunch after a late start caused by intermittent rain.

Prior to the declaration, India were led to their target by batsman Ajinka Rahane, who resumed on 42 overnight and went on to post an unbeaten 108, for his seventh century in 23 Tests. It took the visitors 171 overs to compile their mammoth total as they scored at less than three runs per over. Chase was the pick of the bowlers among West Indies bowling attack as the off-spinner claimed a five-wicket haul. Unfortunately Wriddhiman Saha got out just before lunch.

But despite the slow scoring rate and with the second new ball available, Holder opted to continue with the old ball. India were leading by 229 runs at the break. But on 44, Kohli was undone by a sharp bouncing off-break from Chase that he hit straight to short-leg as he tried to turn the ball into the leg-side. Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel and Devendra Bishoo took 1 wicket each.

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha struck 47 and tail-ender Amit Mishra, 21, to help stretch India’s lead in the second session and leave West Indies with nearly no way back into the game.