KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

Darren Sammy said dropping Rahul Dravid on six in India's second innings of the first Test against West Indies haunted him.

The West Indies captain muffed a regulation chance at second slip off Ravi Rampaul, and West Indies paid a heavy price when the former Indian captain proceeded to score his 32nd Test hundred to set the visitors up for a series-leading victory.

"I didn't sleep well [on Tuesday] night at all, knowing that I dropped the ball," he said, following the third day's play at Sabina Park.

"But I must commend the bowlers, the way we stuck at it to bowl out India twice under 300. Dravid scored a hundred, and they only scored 250 in the second innings, and it shows me we have the bowlers.

put up a fight

"We must commend them, they worked hard, so now it is up to the batsmen to go out there, and put up a fight, and hopefully we can come out victorious."

Sammy was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, taking four for 52 from 27 overs, again justifying his place in the side.

He felt that West Indies still had a chance to win the match, but admitted it would not be an easy task.

"I think the game is still wide open," he said. "I think whichever side wins the first hour will determine the winner.

West Indies produced a valiant effort yesterday but were left facing a Herculean task to win the opening Test after Rahul Dravid's 32nd Test century put India in control at Sabina Park.

At the close of the third day, the hosts had rallied from a suspect position of 80 for three to be 131 without further loss, still 195 runs adrift of a challenging target of 326.

Their fightback was being led by elegant left-hander Darren Bravo on 30 and veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul on 24, who have so far posted a precious, unbroken 51-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Earlier, captain and medium pacer Darren Sammy (4-52) and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (4-65) finished with four wickets apiece as India were dismissed for 252 after resuming the day on 91 for three.