Day 5: Windies v Australia

Australia dominated the middle session of the final day to secure an impressive 9 wicket win, thanks to a superb spell of leg spin bowling from Stuart MacGill. When a draw looked to be on the cards at the start of play, the persistent Australian bowling attack turned pressure into wickets, as Stephen Waugh became the most successful test captain.


The West Indies resumed day 5 on 3/187, 91 runs away from making Australia bat again. The day began terribly for the Windies as they lost Ramnaresh Sarwan first ball of the day to Stuart MacGill, lbw, followed by the important scalp of Lara three overs later, caught plumb in front from Andy Bichel.


The resistance came from debutant Omari Banks, and experienced campaigner Shiv Chanderpaul. The two combined for a partnership of 61, and built a solid foundation for the middle session. But once again, Australia turned the tables via some classy leg spin bowling from MacGill. Banks (32) and Chanderpaul (21) departed in consecutive overs to MacGill and Jason Gillespie respectively.


The wickets continued to fall with Tino Best and Vasbert Drakes making ducks, both falling to MacGill. Wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh was the last man dismissed, run out for 18, and the West Indies all out for 284. Australia required the massive target of 8 runs for victory, and a commanding 3-0 series lead.


To Jermaine Lawson, it seemed an age when he dismissed Brett Lee and Stuart MacGill in consecutive balls in Australia’s mammoth first innings of 605, but the young bowler was in fact on a hattrick. He delivered the first ball in Australia’s run chase, and amazingly had Justin Langer lbw. Just like Merv Hughes, Lawson completed a memorable hattrick over two innings.


Nevertheless, the target was achieved, and Australia completed the 9 wicket rout. The plan of having 4 front-line fast bowlers was successful on a typically lifeless pitch. Glenn McGrath is the only concern for the Aussies who had a wicketless test in his comeback match.


Result: Australia won by 9 wickets


Australia
9/605 dec (S. Waugh 115, R. Ponting 113)

West Indies
328 (C. Gayle 71, D. Smith 59; S. MacGill 4/107)

West Indies (following on)
284 (R. Sarwan 58, C. Gayle 56; S. MacGill 5/75)

Australia
1/8 (D. Lehmann 4*; J. Lawson 1/2)


Man of the Match: Stuart MacGill


Posted by Dominic