India lead West Indies by 240 with one day left

BRIDGETOWN,  (Reuters) – The familiar figures of Rahul  Dravid and Vangipurappu Laxman guided India to safety and  towards a position to push for an unlikely victory in the second  test against West Indies in Barbados today.
The duo, who often torment teams with long and stubborn  innings, both completed half-centuries to steer India to a  commanding position of 229 for three in their second innings at  stumps on the fourth day at Kensington Oval.
That gave the tourists an overall lead of 240 with seven  wickets in hand and only one day remaining in a low-scoring  match that has been interrupted by torrential rain but may yet  produce a result.
While a draw still looms as the most likely result, India at  least appeared to be out of any danger and building towards a  position where they could set up an early declaration on the  final day.
Laxman, who top-scored with 85 in the first innings,  finished the day unbeaten on 72 with Virat Kohli on 26. The pair  added 75 for the unbroken fourth wicket without taking any risks  or trying to increase the run-rate.
Laxman had also shared a 65-run stand with Dravid, who made  55, after his patient hundred in last week’s first test in  Jamaica gave India their 1-0 series lead.
Dravid also batted cautiously after surviving a let-off on  nine when he spooned a catch to Adrian Barath at midwicket, the  fielder tumbling sideways to claim a low catch.
Dravid stood his ground and, as is almost always the case  with low catches, the slow-motion video replays proved  inconclusive so he was given the benefit of the doubt.
India started the day on 23 for no wicket, adding 206 runs,  for the loss of a wicket in each session.
Opener Murali Vijay departed early for three when he  feathered a catch to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh off paceman Ravi  Rampaul, then Abhinav Mukund went for 48 after lunch when he  gloved a catch behind off a bouncer from Fidel Edwards.