Second Test ends in draw -
Scorecard
St Lucia, June 15: A classic piece de resistance by West Indian captain Brian Lara and some stout batting by the lower order denied the Indians a rare victory in the Caribbean in the second cricket Test here yesterday.
Lara's defiant 120 was the cornerstone of a spirited performance by the hosts who, starting the day on 43 for one and needing 373 to avoid an innings defeat, remained unconquered on 294 for seven at close on the fifth and final day at the Beausejour stadium.
The left-hander faced 307 balls for his 32nd Test century that spanned more than three sessions spread over two days and featured in a match-saving 129-run partnership with ex-captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Chanderpaul contributed a vital 54 from 113 balls and there was also a valuable 47 by none other than Lara's protege Dwayne Bravo who shared a crucial 71-run stand for the fifth wicket with his mentor to keep the Indians at bay.
And the tail, unlike in the first Test at Antigua, wagged long enough and, more importantly, consumed time to placate the never-say-die spirit of Rahul Dravid's men. In the end, India, who failed to break up the last West Indian pair at Antigua, fell short by three wickets. They would only wonder if only the fourth day's play wasn't washed out by the rains, if only the numerous half chances that came their way today were converted, if only Munaf Patel was brought on earlier towards the end of the day. (Agencies)
