Fawad Alam keeps Pakistan going with superb century

Only eight balls were bowled after a delayed start, with the bowler’s run-up the affected area

Lunch: Pakistan 212 for 4 (Ashraf 23*, Rizwan 22*) v West Indies

Despite bright sunshine on a day where 98 overs were originally scheduled to be bowled, only eight balls were possible before lunch had to be taken on the third day of the second Test. A wet patch around the bowler’s run-up at the Michael Holding end was the culprit, with Jason Holder bowling only two balls from that end before asking for the umpires to get involved. Lengthy discussions that involved the captains, coaches, umpires and match referee followed, before officials decided to break for lunch early.

Play had begun 90 minutes later than scheduled due to the wet outfield after heavy rains lashed Sabina Park overnight. The covers had been in place, but plenty of water had pooled in certain patches and seeped into the ground. The delay in play meant a revision in playing hours with the overs scheduled brought down to 83, and play starting at 11a.m. local time.

However, there was barely any time for both teams to get warmed up when play was halted again. Kemar Roach bowled a maiden first up, and the eight balls bowled saw no runs scored by overnight batsmen Faheem Ashraf or Mohammad Rizwan, only fitting for a game that, at the moment, seems to be heading nowhere.