Aussies turn the screw on West Indies
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
ST JOHNS, Antigua, June 3 (AFP): Australia extended their lead to 371, after Brett Lee bowled with vigour to hand them a healthy first innings lead in the second Test against West Indies Monday.
The Australians, chasing quick runs to set up a match- winning position for them on the last day, reached 244 for six in their second innings when stumps were drawn on the fourth day of the Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
This all followed a dramatic morning period, when Lee captured five wickets for 59 runs from 21 overs, as West Indies, replying to Australia's first innings total of 479 for seven declared, were dismissed for 352 about 10 minutes before the scheduled lunch interval.
It was the ninth time in a Test that Lee had taken five wickets or more in an innings, and sent West Indies crashing from the comfort of 314 for four to transform the complexion of the match.
Lee triggered a collapse which saw West Indies lose their last six wickets for 38 runs in the space of 68 balls.
After tea, the Australians hunted quick runs, and this provided West Indies with the chance to take a few wickets along the way.
Jaques used the opportunity to boost his confidence with a purposeful 76 and solid batting down the order ensured that Australia's lead gradually increased.
Jaques added 89 for the second wicket with Australia captain Ricky Ponting before they were both dismissed within 13 balls of each other to leave the visitors 178 for three.
Michael Clarke, a century-maker in the Australia first innings, was run out for 10, and Australia also lost Brad Haddin lbw to Fidel Edwards for seven, as well as Lee caught behind off the same bowler for four before stumps.
Edwards has taken two wickets for 28 runs from 7.5 overs, and Jerome Taylor snared two for 33 from 12 overs.
The Australians, chasing quick runs to set up a match- winning position for them on the last day, reached 244 for six in their second innings when stumps were drawn on the fourth day of the Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
This all followed a dramatic morning period, when Lee captured five wickets for 59 runs from 21 overs, as West Indies, replying to Australia's first innings total of 479 for seven declared, were dismissed for 352 about 10 minutes before the scheduled lunch interval.
It was the ninth time in a Test that Lee had taken five wickets or more in an innings, and sent West Indies crashing from the comfort of 314 for four to transform the complexion of the match.
Lee triggered a collapse which saw West Indies lose their last six wickets for 38 runs in the space of 68 balls.
After tea, the Australians hunted quick runs, and this provided West Indies with the chance to take a few wickets along the way.
Jaques used the opportunity to boost his confidence with a purposeful 76 and solid batting down the order ensured that Australia's lead gradually increased.
Jaques added 89 for the second wicket with Australia captain Ricky Ponting before they were both dismissed within 13 balls of each other to leave the visitors 178 for three.
Michael Clarke, a century-maker in the Australia first innings, was run out for 10, and Australia also lost Brad Haddin lbw to Fidel Edwards for seven, as well as Lee caught behind off the same bowler for four before stumps.
Edwards has taken two wickets for 28 runs from 7.5 overs, and Jerome Taylor snared two for 33 from 12 overs.