Barring a sensational twist of fortunes, the first Test is destined for a draw as precious one and a half hours have been lost on day four and even two innings have not been completed.

Overnight rain had made parts of the outfield soggy and the umpires after three inspections, have finally decided on starting play at 12:00pm local time (10:05pm BST). The West Indies resumed on 262 for five, still 154 runs behind Bangladesh's first innings total of 416.

If the first two days had belonged to the two centurions from Bangladesh Habibul Bashar and Mohammad Rafique, it was Chris Gayle's time to enjoy day three.

The left-handed opener from Jamaica continued his uncharacteristically watchful 111 from day three but was caught by Bashar at first slip from a Tapash Baishya delivery at 141, in which he smashed 18 boundaries.

The left-handed opener featured in three vital partnerships with Ramnaresh Sarwan (87 for the first wicket), skipper Brian Lara (73 for the second wicket and Dwayne Smith (70 for the fourth wicket).

Mohammad Rafique as usual, is starring with the ball and has three wickets for 87 from 35 overs.

"The wicket is getting lower and slower. So I think Rafique could have a major impact on the course of the game," said manager Faruque Ahmed who is also the coach now following the departure of Dav Whatmore who left for Australia on Sunday to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law.

Gayle was relieved with the hundred after the dropped chances and a poor run of form coming into the game.

"They are good lads and we crack a joke here and there," said Gayle when asked whether he was good friends with the Bangladesh fielders who let him off the hook thrice.

"It was not possible to have a go on this wicket. And credit must be given to the Bangladeshi bowlers. They stuck to a plan and bowled very straight."