WI 'A' Eye Victory

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC):

Pacers Delorn Johnson and Kevin McClean produced devastating spells to rock India 'A' and put West Indies 'A' in sight of victory in the third and final unofficial Test here yesterday.

Both bowlers picked up three wickets apiece as India A, trailing by 106 on first innings, reached 181 for seven at the close at the Beausejour Cricket Stadium.

Manoj Tiwary has so far top-scored, with 62 to prop up the innings, while wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was holding things together at the end with an unbeaten 48.

Left-armer Johnson has so far taken three for 43, while McClean has picked up three for 47.

Earlier, West Indies were dismissed 20 minutes into the day's play for 336 after resuming the day on 320 for eight, with off-spinner Jalaj Saxena (3-55) and seamer Parvinder Awana (3-81) leading the India 'A' attack.

Johnson then scythed through India A's top order to leave the visitors tottering at 30 for three at lunch.

After the break, India A slipped into more turmoil as Rohit Sharma's poor form continued when he edged Johnson to Kyle Corbin at third slip, to fall for two at 35 for four. Tiwary and Saha then rescued the innings with a brilliant fifth-wicket stand, adding a precious 95 for the fifth wicket.