KINGSTON, (Reuters) – West Indies dominated the opening day of the first test against India today, dismissing the tourists for just 246 then wiping 34 off the deficit for the loss of just one wicket.
India, without master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, failed to get past 250 despite winning the toss and opting to bat first at Sabina Park.
The top-order batting collapsed to 85-6 before Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh rescued India with a seventh-wicket stand of 146.
Both made half-centuries with Raina top-scoring with 82 and Harbhajan making a brisk 70 before the West Indies polished off the tail.
Fast bowler Fidel Edwards captured four wickets while fellow paceman Ravi Rampual and promising spinner Devendra Bishoo each claimed three scalps.
West Indies suffered an early setback in their reply when Lendl Simmons departed for three but Adrian Barath (26 not out) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (two not out) safely guided the home team to stumps without any further losses.
India were in trouble from the outset, slumping to 69-4 by lunch, after two of their three debutants, Abhinav Mukund and Virat Kohli, went cheaply.
Rahul Dravid made 40 but India’s experienced batsmen, VVS Laxman (12) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (no score) contributed little, leaving Raina and Harbhajan to lead the fightback.
