Australia v WI : Day 4

An inspiring fightback from the West Indians, on day 4, was shot down dramatically by an inspired spell of bowling from Jason Gillespie. The Aussie paceman picked up 4 wickets for 4 runs as he destroyed the Windies tail.

Drakes (14) was dismissed almost instantly and was quickly followed by Dillon (0). In a rather comical scene, Ridley Jacobs emerged with a runner to join his fellow injured batsman, Chanderpaul, and his instated runner. As such, four batsman joined the Aussies on the field at the same time.

Chanderpaul (31), Jacobs (11) and Lawson (0) were quickly dismissed and "Dizzy" Gillespie ended with an impressive 5/39. A hobbling Jacobs did manage to hit a six and a four to provide some (if short-lived) entertainment for the small Sunday crowd. West Indies closed on 398 all out with a lead of 146 runs.

In their turn Australia's reply was clinical as they wiped off the required runs for the loss of just 1 wicket. Langer's innings was aggressive from the start and he followed his first innings hundred with a solid 78 not out. His fellow centurian, Aussie vice-captain Ponting scored a classy unbeaten 42.

For the home team, Lawson (1/31) bowled with great heart and ended with the only Australian wicket, that of Hayden for 19. Dillon was, once again, uninspired in his performance.

West Indies 1st Innings - 237 all out (50.3 Overs)
(S.Chanderpaul 100, R.Jacobs 54*, B.Lara 26; A.Bichel 3/55, B.Hogg 2/40, B.Lee 2/41)

Australia 1st Innings - 489 all out (115.1 Overs)
(J.Langer 146, R.Ponting 117, A.Gilchrist 77; V.Drakes 5/93, J.Lawson 2/111)

West Indies 2nd Innings - 398 all out
(D.Ganga 113, B.Lara 110, D.Smith 62; J.Gillespie 5/39, S.MacGill 3/140)

Australia 2nd Innings - 147/1
(J.Langer 78*, R.Ponting 42*, Hayden 19; Lawson 1/31)

Result:- Australia won by 9 wickets
Man of the Match:- J.Langer

Posted by Liam