BRIDGETOWN – A DRAMATIC top-order second innings collapse by the West Indies in a sensational 30-minute session before tea on the fourth day, has left the regional cricketers facing possible defeat on tomorrow’s final day of the first Digicel Test against Australia at Kensington Oval.
After Australia declared their first innings at 406 for nine, 43 runs behind the West Indies’ first innings total of 449 for nine declared, the Windies lost three wickets for just four runs before ending the penultimate day’s play on an unhappy 71 for five – an overall lead of 114 runs with five wickets intact.
Fast-medium swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus dismantled the Windies’ top-order, finishing the day with three for 17 off 10 incisive overs.
Ryan Harris, who had earlier hit a career-best 68 not out to rally Australia from 250 for seven, sharing a last-wicket stand of 77 with Nathan Lyons (40 not out), snared the key scalp of West Indies’ first innings century-maker Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 12.
And just before the close, Darren Bravo fell to Peter Siddle for 32, leaving Narsingh Deonarine (20) and wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh (two) as the not out batsmen with only the bowlers to follow.
Fast bowlers Kemar Roach (3-72) and Fidel Edwards (2-92) had raised the West Indies’ hopes for a bigger first innings lead with some early wickets in the morning session before the Australian tail wagged. West Indies’ captain Darren Sammy was unable to add to his two early wickets on Monday, ending with two for 65 while leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo only took one wicket for 125 runs in 45 overs. (EZS)
