Sharma fortifies India's hold on 2nd Test

BRIDGETOWN (AFP) - Ishant Sharma grabbed two quick wickets before lunch to give India the upper hand and leave West Indies reeling on 82 for five in the second Test on Wednesday. The beanpole fast bowler exploited a bouncy Kensington Oval pitch and overcast conditions, removing night watchman Devendra Bishoo and compatriot Ramnaresh Sarwan in the space of four deliveries. The West Indies were continuing their response to the Indians' first innings total of 201 on a rain-shortened second morning. Sharma has been the most successful of the visitors' bowlers, taking three for 31 from 10 overs, after West Indies resumed on their overnight total of 30 for three. Rain delayed the start of play by 45 minutes, but Sharma bristled with confidence, and gave India early success. He had Bishoo caught in the gully for 13, fencing at a short, rising delivery in his seventh over, and three balls later trapped Sarwan lbw for 18 on the back foot with a delivery that moved back from outside the off-stump. But India failed to make further headway, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels batting through the last 45 minutes before the interval to stem the fall of wickets. Brief scores: India: 201 (V.V.S. Laxman 85, Suresh Raina 53; R. Rampaul 3-38, D. Bishoo 3-46, F. Edwards 3-56) West Indies: 82-5 (I. Sharma 3-31)

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