So everybody and the wicketkeeper bowled. In caps, in sunglasses. RahulDravid, VVS Laxman, Wasim Jaffer all got first Test wickets. What a waste of time.

Culprit in chief was average-minder Shivnarine Chanderpaul. When he had revealed after his Guyana century that he was a certified stats man, it seemed cute. Today came the proof – and it was unbearable.

Over after harmless over, Chanderpaul maintained far more concentration than anyone has ever needed to on a cricket field, and moved at a strike-rate of between 27 and 28, before eventually settling on 26.67, because Ajay Ratra and SS Das proved too hard to get away towards close of play. Totally, it took him 74 more balls to reach 136 than it had Inzamam-ul-Haq to get 329 two weeks ago.

Thank god then for Ridley Jacobs. The occasional sound of ball hitting concrete wall or metal railing at least woke everyone. When play had started Chanderpaul was on 80, and Jacobs on 18. By the time Chanderpaul had dawdled along to 88, Jacobs was already 61. By 2pm, the pair was level on 117. Jacob's way was the right way. Society benefited from him more. Every one of his five sixes earned $100 for charity. Chanderpaul with his 16 fours fetched handicapped children a grand 48 dollars.

Not much changed for India between yesterday and today, but they can take now take stock of the gains from this Test match. The most important one was that of Man of the Match Ratra. The coming good of a young talent is always heartening, more so when it is under pressure. Ratra showed grit and composure in becoming the youngest keeper to score a Test century. Any team could use a lower-order fighter, and this applies even more to India.

The second-most important gain one was confirmation of the arrival of a consistent VVS Laxman. A Laxman capable of cutting out the airy waft to point when on 31, and a Laxman capable of doing so four times in four Tests. Also, despite some concern, he has shown himself to fit in nicely at No. 6, which works out nicely for the balance of the side.

Then there was Wasim Jaffer. It was a glorious batting pitch alright, but what Jaffer had to offer was a lot of class. He will go to Jamaica with the confidence that he belongs at the very highest level. On what is expected to be a bouncy pitch, his role will be crucial.

But there was also one loss loss for India to contemplate, that of Anil Kumble. Sometime tomorrow, he will undergo surgery in Bangalore. His absence shouldn't be overstated because, fact still remains, that over the last decade, Kumble has yet to turn in a memorable performance outside the subcontinent. Yet, he was a cornered man, and a hurt man, and such men can be dangerous.

Overall, it has been a horribly poor advertisement for Test cricket at the Antigua Recreation Ground over the last five days. Fifth days don't come much shammier than this. If nothing else, this at least means that the series will be more in the balance than ever in Jamaica.

Rahul Bhattacharya is a staff writer with Wisden.com in India. His reports will appear here throughout the Test series.

More Indian Verdicts
Day 1 Zero, zero, eight, zero
Day 2 The confidence game
Day 3 A humungous heart
Day 4 Fifth-wicket Blues

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