Katich, Jaques demoralise Windies
Monday, 16 June 2008
Simon Katich and Phil Jaques both made centuries on a day of total Australian dominance in Barbados, where the match slipped right out of West Indies' grasp as Australia built a lead of 365 by stumps, according to website cricinfo.
At the close Australia were 330 for 3 and Katich was unbeaten on 148 having batted throughout the day, with Michael Clarke yet to score, and the only concern for Ricky Ponting was likely to be deciding when to declare on day four to give his bowlers the best shot at a 2-0 series win.
It was an unexpected development in a game that for two days was tighter than Shane Watson's hamstring.
Both teams had made use of a lively Bridgetown pitch and 20 wickets fell on the first two days, but as the surface calmed down West Indies could only manage three breakthroughs on the third, none of which gave them any real momentum following the Jaques and Katich show.
Their 223-run stand was the highest opening partnership for Australia in Tests since Hussey and Matthew Hayden combined for 231 against the same opposition in Hobart in November 2005.
While it might have given the selectors confidence that there will be life after Hayden, it has also handed them a conundrum as they decide whether Katich can squeeze into the side when they tour India later this year, when Hayden should be fit again.
Australia 251 and 330 for 3 (Katich 148*, Jaques 108) lead West Indies 216 by 365 runs.
At the close Australia were 330 for 3 and Katich was unbeaten on 148 having batted throughout the day, with Michael Clarke yet to score, and the only concern for Ricky Ponting was likely to be deciding when to declare on day four to give his bowlers the best shot at a 2-0 series win.
It was an unexpected development in a game that for two days was tighter than Shane Watson's hamstring.
Both teams had made use of a lively Bridgetown pitch and 20 wickets fell on the first two days, but as the surface calmed down West Indies could only manage three breakthroughs on the third, none of which gave them any real momentum following the Jaques and Katich show.
Their 223-run stand was the highest opening partnership for Australia in Tests since Hussey and Matthew Hayden combined for 231 against the same opposition in Hobart in November 2005.
While it might have given the selectors confidence that there will be life after Hayden, it has also handed them a conundrum as they decide whether Katich can squeeze into the side when they tour India later this year, when Hayden should be fit again.
Australia 251 and 330 for 3 (Katich 148*, Jaques 108) lead West Indies 216 by 365 runs.