GROS ISLET, St. Lucia, 2 June 2004 — Khaled Mashud was 103 not out when Bangladesh declared at 271-9 in the second innings with a 335-run lead against the West Indies on the final day of the first cricket Test yesterday.

Tareq Aziz was unbeaten on 1 when the declaration came.

Earlier, a purposeful ninth wicket partnership between Mashud and Baisya looked set to ensure only Bangladesh’s third draw in 29 Tests. At the tea break, Bangladesh were 253 for nine in their second innings, leading by 317, with Mashud undefeated on 87, eyeing his maiden Test hundred, after Tapash was dismissed on the stroke of tea for 26.

The two defied the West Indies attack, after Ramnaresh Sarwan struck in the third over following lunch when Mohammad Rafique was caught behind for 29.

Rafique and Mashud added 57 for the eighth wicket either side of the wicket.

But with Mashud the main aggressor and Tapash offering him essential support, Bangladesh continued to put the match more and more out of West Indies’ reach with their stand before Chris Gayle, bowling his uncomplicated off-spin, broke through when Tapash was caught and bowled off the last ball before the break.

Earlier, Bangladesh continued from their overnight position of 94 for six and lost their first wicket after an hour when Rajin Saleh was adjudged lbw to Fidel Edwards for 51. He batted 157 minutes, faced 100 balls and struck half-dozen fours.

After his departure, Mashud continued to plod away and Rafique, a century-maker in the first innings, supported him to keep the West Indies’ bowlers at bay and carry Bangladesh to 174 for seven at lunch.

Ramnaresh Sarwan has been West Indies’ most successful bowler with four wickets for 37 runs from 20 overs. Fidel Edwards has taken two for 61 from 19 overs, while Gayle, Pedro Collins and Tino Best have each snared one wicket. In 28 previous Tests, Bangladesh have earned two rain-marred draws against Zimbabwe and lost 26 times.

Australia to Play Four Tests in India

In New Delhi, Australia will play four Tests during their tour of India in October and November this year, the Indian cricket board said yesterday.

“The venues and dates will be announced later this month,” board secretary Karunakaran Nair told Reuters. Australia will start with a warm-up game, likely to be a three-day affair, before playing two back-to-back Tests. The last two Tests will also be played in quick succession with a week in between. There will be no One-Day Internationals.

Australia have not won a Test series in India since 1969-1970. On their last visit in 2000-2001 India rallied to take the series 2-1.

South Africa were expected to arrive after the Australia tour for a one-day series the details of which had yet to be worked out, Nair said.