INDIA v WEST INDIES 1948-49

At Bombay, December 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Drawn. The second Test again revealed the consistent and solid character of West Indies batting. Their first innings did not end until the third day, when they declared with six wickets down. Rae and Stollmeyer opened with a partnership of 134, and the former, driving strongly, went on to his first Test century. Mankad's immaculate length and clever flighting often made him difficult to play, but Weekes, with some wonderful strokes off the back foot, was always master of the situation. Two chances detracted little from the merit of his performance, and he was unlucky to fall only six short of a double hundred. Christiani looked more comfortable than any of his colleagues against Mankad, quick footwork getting him into position for forceful strokes. Cameron and Atkinson also punished the bowling and 629 runs were on the board at the declaration.

Mankad and Ibrahim, India's first pair, were both run out, and Modi, seldom a confident starter, lost his wicket through mistiming a hook. Then Ferguson, whose bald pate holds a rare cricket brain, began to pin down batsmen with slow leg-breaks, which he never hesitated to pitch well up. Phadkar, profiting from a missed chance, made the highest score, but India were forced to follow-on 356 behind. Mankad and Ibrahim were again soon disposed of, but West Indies were unable to press home their advantage. If Modi and Hazare were frequently harassed by Ferguson, they eventually mastered the bowling and completed splendid centuries. During the last day India lost only one wicket, but were helped by faulty fielding, Ferguson particularly suffering through dropped catches. Goddard retired owing to fever, and Stollmeyer captained West Indies in the closing stages.