West Indies lost a quick wicket at the start of the second innings against Zimbabwe but still held a lead of 117 at the end of the third day of the second Test in Bulawayo.

Brian Lara's tourists scored 481 in their first innings but faltered in the second, losing Chris Gayle with his first ball faced.

At the close of play, which ended an hour early due to rain and bad light, West Indies were at 1-13.

Zimbabwe spent most of the day clawing their way towards the West Indies position and were all out just after the tea interval for 377.

Mark Vermeulen carved himself a patient century, his first in Test cricket, which served firstly to prevent Lara enforcing a follow on. In moving on to 118, he provided a platform from which Zimbabwe were able to curtail the West Indies first innings lead to 104.

He had failed badly in the first Test at Harare last week, scoring only eight and two. But he dug deep this time, especially after his partner Craig Wishart fell for 96 early in the first session.

Vermeulen scored only five in the first hour and hit just 14 fours in an innings lasting five and a half hours.

Support came first from Tatenda Taibu with 27, followed by a subdued 30 from Andy Blignaut who held back his natural instinct to hit out. Then came Ray Price, who got 35 in a last wicket stand with Blessing Mahwire which had the West Indies gnashing teeth.

Corey Collymore bowled with fire and invention, claiming four wickets. But the remainder of the attack looked jaded as Zimbabwe refused to crack.

After Zimbabwe's innings, Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle went out to continue what has been a shaky partnership on their tour. This time it lasted one ball, Gayle getting in front of Heath Streak's opening delivery.

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