Jaffer's innings revived his side's hopes of victory

Wasim Jaffer scored his second Test century as India fought back on the third day of the first Test against West Indies in Antigua.

The hosts totalled 371 in their first innings for a lead of 130.

But Jaffer's 113 not out steered India to 215-2 at the close to put his side in front by 85.

West Indies lost Fidel Edwards with a hamstring injury but managed to dismiss Virender Sehwag (41) and VVS Laxman (31) after good stands with Jaffer.

But he then came together with skipper Rahul Dravid, who had contributed 21 to an unbroken partnership of 68 by the end of the final session.

At stumps, Jaffer had faced 233 balls and hit 12 fours, surpassing his previous Test best of 100 against England at Nagpur in March.

It was very special getting a Test hundred in the West Indies, especially when the team was in a difficult situation Wasim Jaffer More close of play reaction

India were helped by the absence of the

West Indies began the day on 318-6 and added another 53 runs before being dismissed half an hour before lunch.

Denesh Ramdin was soon caught behind for 26 off Munaf Patel (3-80) but Ian Bradshaw and Dave Mohammed shared a useful 28-run stand to extend the home side's lead beyond 100.

Bradshaw became debutant VRV Singh's first Test victim when he fended a rising delivery to backward point and Singh struck again when Edwards edged to the keeper.

The innings came to an end when last man Corey Collymore was lbw to Anil Kumble, leaving Mohammed on 19 not out.

Edwards tried to exploit Virender Sehwag's supposed weakness against short-pitched bowling when India began their reply.

The opener responded with a square cut for six into the Andy Roberts stand but he was twice fortunate when he fended balls just short of fieldxers close in on the leg-side.

West Indies had to abandon the tactic, however, when Edwards suffered his injury and India's score reached 72 before Sehwag was finally taken at first slip in the 19th over when he tried to drive a ball from Collymore.

Jaffer reached his half century with an off-drive for four off Dwayne Bravo and India were 121-1 at tea.