Cricket: Laxman misses century again as India set 281-run target

India, 1-0 up in the three-match series, declared on 269 for six midway through the morning session at Kensington Oval.

While a draw remains the most likely result, both teams can still push for a victory in a match that has been repeatedly interrupted by rain delays.

India resumed on 229 for three and had lost three wickets for the addition of 40 runs when captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni called his players in. For the second time in the match Vangipurappu Laxman fell just short of a century, departing for 87 after making 85 in the first innings.

West Indian paceman Fidel Edwards captured all three wickets to fall in the session to finish with five for 76, his ninth five-wicket haul in tests.

Meanwhile, Test spinner Danish Kaneria filed a High Court petition yesterday against the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) refusal to clear him to play international cricket.

"The PCB integrity committee has its reasons for not clearing Kaneria as he has still not satisfied them completely," said the board's legal adviser Tafazzul Rizvi.

Rizvi was referring to the fact the leg-spinner had his contract terminated by English county Essex last season after he had come under investigation in a spot-fixing case involving a Pro-40 match. Essex police cleared Kaneria, 30.

"I have resorted to seeking justice from the court because I am frustrated and my family is also facing mental anguish," the player said. "I want to be given a clean ticket by the board in this case."

The court is due to hear the petition tomorrow.