The familiar figures of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman guided India to safety and towards a position to push for an unlikely victory on day four of the second Test against West Indies in Barbados. The veteran duo both completed half-centuries to steer India to a commanding position of 229 for three in their second innings at stumps at the Kensington Oval. That gave the tourists an overall lead of 240 with seven wickets in hand in a low-scoring match that has been interrupted by torrential rain but may yet produce a result on the final day. While a draw still appears the most likely outcome, India at the very least have batted themselves out of any danger and towards a position where they could set up an early declaration on Saturday. Laxman, who top-scored with 85 in the first innings, finished the day unbeaten on 72 with Virat Kohli on 26. The pair added 75 for the unbroken fourth wicket without taking any risks or trying to increase the run rate.

Laxman had also shared a 65-run stand with Dravid, who made 55, after his patient hundred in last week's first Test in Jamaica gave India their 1-0 series lead. Dravid batted cautiously after surviving a let-off on nine when he spooned a catch to Adrian Barath at midwicket, the fielder tumbling sideways to claim he had taken a low catch.

Dravid stood his ground and, as is almost always the case with low catches, the slow-motion video replays proved inconclusive so he was given the benefit of the doubt. Earlier, having started the day on 23 without loss overnight, the opener Murali Vijay departed early for three when he feathered a catch to the wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh off paceman Ravi Rampaul, then Abhinav Mukund went for 48 after lunch when he gloved a catch behind trying to fend off a Fidel Edwards bouncer.