VVS Laxman, with Indian fans’ hopes of a repeat of the Kolkata miracle in the air, added just 13 runs to his overnight score before being the first Indian wicket to fall. Pedro Collins, bowling an excellent teasing line around the wicket, had Laxman flicking at a full delivery that left the right hander. Hooper took an excellent catch low down and India were 183/5.

Ajay Ratra, who has not distinguished himself with the bat in this series, once again stuttered, playing and missing constantly before Merv Dillon put an end to his misery. In a dismissal that reminded one of the Tendulkar lbw, Ratra was adjudged lbw to a delivery that struck him high on the pad.

Harbhajan Singh (3) who looked determined to stick around for a bit, slashed hard at one outside the off from Cuffy and inside edged the ball onto the stumps.

Zaheer Khan provided some light entertainment with his energetic, vigorous heaves at the ball. The results were good when he connected, but that wasn’t nearly often enough to made a difference to India’s cause. Although he averages just 7.28 in Tests, people might remember Zaheer Khan’s 24 off four balls against Henry Olonga. He certainly can give the ball a clout on his day.

And today seemed to be his day. Launching into some aggressive pulls that sailed over the fence at midwicket Zaheer Khan notched up a career best 46 (45 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) before tickling a long-hop from part time leggie Ramnaresh Sarwan to keeper Jacobs.

The fall of Khan’s wicket signaled lunch with Ganguly repeating his first innings performance – unbeaten on 53.