India sniff victory, West Indies need divine intervention

St Lucia, June 13 (UNI) Forcing a follow-on down the West Indian throat, Team India now sniff a victory which is just nine wickets away, while the hosts would seek resolute batting from its players and some divine intervention from heaven to save the second Test after summer showers dropped curtains on third day's proceedings 20 minutes before the scheduled close.

Replying to India's first innings total of 588 for eight declared, West Indies were bundled out for a meager 215 in the first innings.

Asked to follow on, West Indies were 43 for one -- losing the vital wicket of Chris Gayle -- when rain stopped play. They still need 330 runs to make India bat again.

West Indies needed big partnerships in the second innings to salvage a draw. But that was not to be for the first wicket as Gayle survived just three balls before edging Irfan Pathan to MS Dhoni who pouched a comfortable catch.

West Indies skipper Brian Lara returned to bat at his favourite number three position. Lara survived some loud appeals for leg before to end the day at 15 not out, while Daren Ganga was batting on 24.

Earlier, West Indies were skittled out for 215 in their first innings. The Indian bowlers tightened the noose in the second session.

The West Indian lower order tried to prolong their stay at crease but their totals of 20s and 30s were too little to avoid following on.

Anil Kumble started the wicket-riot after lunch when he had Dwayne Bravo caught by Rahul Dravid at slips for 25. Bravo and Denesh Ramdin added 61 runs for sixth wicket, the home side's highest partnership. Ramdin was caught behind by Dhoni off Munaf Patel for 30.

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