KINGSTON, Jamaica: Veteran batsman Rahul Dravid scored his 32nd Test hundred to bolster India's bid for victory in the first Test against West Indies Wednesday, leaving the host to pursue 325. The former Indian captain scored 112, knocking the fight out of West Indies' resolve before he was the last man dismissed, as the visitors were bowled out for 252 in their first innings about five minutes past the scheduled tea break on the third day at Sabina Park. Dravid produced a typically dogged innings for close to seven hours, striking 10 fours and one six from 274 balls, and holding the innings together in the face of purposeful bowling from West Indies on a hard, true pitch. Dravid shared in an important ninth-wicket stand of 56 with Amit Mishra, after West Indies captain Darren Sammy removed Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar in the space of three balls, as India slipped to 183 for eight in the first 35 minutes after lunch. Mishra batted with aplomb, showing great courage against a barrage of short-pitched bowling, particularly from Edwards, armed with the second new ball. He spent just over 1¼ hours at the crease making 28 before he was caught at third man off Sammy, trying an upper cut. Dravid soon followed, caught at long-on, going for the second time to leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the match. Sammy finished with four for 52 from 27 overs.
