Barbados, July 1: After yet another rain-delayed start at the Kensington Oval, the fourth day saw a full day’s play. The Indian batsmen had their task cut out for them and set about it diligently. At stumps on the penultimate day of the match, India were on 229 runs for the loss of three wickets. With a lead of 240 runs the visitors, can push for a result on Day 5.

Resuming on the overnight score of 23 runs, India lost Murali Vijay early in the first session. However, the other opener, newcomer Abhinav Mukund batted for 81 balls for his 48 runs under difficult conditions. The youngster was involved in a 63-run partnership with Rahul Dravid before edging one from Fidel Edwards to the wicketkeeper, missing out on his maiden half-century.

The departure of Abhinav brought the experienced VVS Laxman out in the middle. He, along with, Dravid concentrated on consolidating India’s position and extending the lead as the West Indies bowlers continued to toil away. The duo, who have built many partnerships for India over the years, put together a 65-run stand before Dravid was sent back by Edwards. Until then, ‘The Wall’ continued to chip away and reached his 60th half-century. He played 171 deliveries for his 55 runs.

Dravid was replaced by Virat Kohli at the crease; the youngster, yet to get going in the series, would be happy to have Laxman at the other end. After scoring 85 runs in the first innings, Laxman is not out on 72 off 171 deliveries in the second innings on Day 4.

Hitting the only six of the match so far, Kohli remained unbeaten on 26 off 98 balls at the end of day’s play.

Brief Score (At the end of Day-4): India 1st Innings 201 all out in 68 overs (VVS Laxman 85, Suresh Raina 53, R Rampaul 3/38, D Bishoo 3/46, Fidel Edwards 3/56), 2nd Innings 229/3 in 89 overs (VVS Laxman 72*, R Dravid 55, A Mukund 48, V Kohli 26*, F Edwards 2/58) ; West Indies 1st Innnings 190 all out in 73.5 overs ( Marlon Samuels 78*, S Chanderpaul 37, Ishant Sharma 6/55).