Wasim Jaffer hits unbeaten ton to lead India's fightback on day 3

St John's, Antigua, Jun 5 (UNI) Wasim Jaffer hit an unbeaten century as India crawled their way back in the first Test to reach 215 for two in the second innings and take an 85-run lead at the close of third day's play in the first Test against the West Indies here.

After being dominated on the first two days by the hosts, the Indian bowlers and batsmen put up a fine display on the third day that saw the visitors finish the day at 215 for two after they bowled out the hosts for 371 in their first innings.

India now have taken a lead of 85 runs with eight second innings wickets in hand and would well look to extend the lead to past 300.

At stumps, Jaffer was unconquered on 113 off 223 balls with the help of 12 fours. Skipper Rahul Dravid was his patient self at the other end and was not out on 21 off 74 balls.

The day clearly belonged to Jaffer and the lanky batsmen from Mumbai grabbed with both hands the opportunities offered by a combination of docile third day pitch and a lacklustre West Indies bowling to compile his second Test hundred.

While Jaffer patiently build his innings through the day, fellow opener Virender Sehwag looked in ominous form right from the first over. He played Corey Collymore to the third man boundary all along the ground to open the account. The Delhi batsman followed that with a sweetly timed onside stroke that again fetched him four runs. But, the shot of his short innings was a hard swipe at Fidel Edwards that went over the ropes for a six.

West Indies came back after lunch with a plan to tackle Sehwag.

Edwards bowled at his rib cage with a leg slip in place. Sehwag was troubled by this ploy and twice his edges fell just short of the fielder at leg slip.

But, Edwards had to be taken off in his sixth over after he pulled his hamstring muscle. Sehwag survived the torrid time and hit boundaries off Ian Bradshaw. However, the two Indian openers kept the scoreboard ticking and raised a half century partnership. Sehwag, with six fours and a six, looked well settled to play a long knock before he was done in by Collymore.

At 41, Sehwag tried an expansive drive that carried a thick edge to first slip where Chris Gayle completed the catch in third attempt.

India were 72 for one then.

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