It is rare for a team to score over 500 in successive innings. Having done that, I hope it culminates in a win this time. Not winning would be a travesty. India declared at 588/8 with Kaif unbeaten on 148, his maiden hundred. It was a workman like innings, studded with some good drives and scampered singles. His concentration and application to the job on hand was admirable.

Earlier, Dravid was out for a well composed 146. The dismissal, though, was anything but composed. L. Sivaramakrishnan summed it well when he said that ‘it was the worst shot to the worst ball I have ever seen in test cricket’. It will remain a novelty of sorts, as I am sure it is never going to happen again.

India scored 588 runs off 148.2 overs. That’s a run rate of nearly 4 ( 3.96 ) an over - remarkable by any standards and thanks largely to Sehwag.

Munaf finally showed what he is capable of, by removing the openers to consecutive balls. I have constantly backed Munaf since he broke into the team. The boy has talent and needs to be groomed carefully. He has it in him to be our most consistent fast bowler but needs to toughen up mentally and learn the art of thinking a batsman out. That will come with time. VRV is bowling better too. Kumble got the crucial wicket of Lara and the Windies ended the day at 65/3.

I had rightly criticized the team heavily after the first test. I now have to give them credit for picking themselves up and batting superbly here. A draw like the last one, is very deflating and takes a lot out of the players. The team has shown a glint of steel and resilience by this performance. Winning the toss helped, but the players deserve all the credit they can get.

The pitch, as predicted, is showing early signs of wear. I expect the bald areas to yield spin and cut. The occasional ball is keeping low and that is likely to get worse. The bowlers just need to bowl in the right areas and exploit the rough patches. Watch out for Kumble, Munaf and even Sehwag as the match goes on. I just hope the clouds keep away.

I can smell the sweet scent of victory. It’s far away but definitely within reach. The team just needs to reach out and grasp it.