GROS ISLET, St. Lucia, 1 June 2004 — Bangladesh claimed two wickets, including century-maker Chris Gayle, before a moderate afternoon shower prompted an earlier than scheduled tea break on the fourth day of the opening Test against West Indies yesterday.
West Indies were all out 352 for seven at the break, replying to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 416, with Ridley Jacobs unbeaten on 34 and Pedro Collins not out on four.
Tapash Baisya made the breakthrough for Bangladesh when he had Gayle caught at first slip for 141 edging a loose drive. The West Indies opening batsman batted seven and a quarter hours, faced 293 balls and struck 17 boundaries in his fifth Test hundred.
He and Ridley Jacobs completed a 59-run stand for the sixth wicket that brought some respectability back to the West Indies’ total, after early morning rain and a wet outfield allowed only 13 overs before the lunch interval that had arrived with West Indies on 303 for five.
Left-arm spin bowler Mohammad Rafique added the wicket of Tino Best, who recklessly charged down the pitch, was deceived by the flight of the delivery, and was bowled for three trying to play defensively forward.
They were the only dismissals for West Indies in an hour’s cricket before a moderate shower swept across the Beausejour Stadium and the main actors retreated to the pavilion.
West Indies continued from their overnight position of 262 for five, but play did not start until 16:05 (GMT) because of early morning rain that precipitated the wet outfield.
Lunch was taken at 17:05 (GMT) with the post-lunch session scheduled to be played between 17:45 (GMT) and 18:15 GMT) when tea was to be taken, but the rain moved that up half-hour earlier.
