Sharma fortifies India's hold on second Test

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Ishant Sharma grabbed two quick wickets before lunch to give India the upper hand and leave West Indies reeling on 82 for five in the second Test on Wednesday.

The beanpole fast bowler exploited a bouncy Kensington Oval pitch and overcast conditions, removing night watchman Devendra Bishoo and compatriot Ramnaresh Sarwan in the space of four deliveries.

The West Indies were continuing their response to the Indians' first innings total of 201 on a rain-shortened second morning.

Sharma has been the most successful of the visitors' bowlers, taking three for 31 from 10 overs, after West Indies resumed on their overnight total of 30 for three.

Rain delayed the start of play by 45 minutes, but Sharma bristled with confidence, and gave India early success.

He had Bishoo caught in the gully for 13, fencing at a short, rising delivery in his seventh over, and three balls later trapped Sarwan lbw for 18 on the back foot with a delivery that moved back from outside the off-stump.

But India failed to make further headway, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels batting through the last 45 minutes before the interval to stem the fall of wickets.

India are looking to wrap up their second straight Test series victory over West Indies in the Caribbean.

They will also be looking to create a piece of history by becoming the first Indian side to win a Test and one-day international series in the Caribbean -- but they will also have to overcome their poor history here.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team still have cause for optimism though -- following a 10-wicket defeat for Sourav Ganguly's side nine years ago, West Indies have lost six of the last eight Tests they have played at this venue.