Victoria continue to dominate WI

David Hussey registered his 16th First Class hundred, as Victoria continued to dominate the tour match against the West Indians. Hussey reached 104 off 109 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes, and Victoria moved from an overnight score of 4/441 to 571 all out.

Captain Cameron White improved his overnight 29 to 63, but was then one of Dwayne Bravo’s two victims. Only two West Indians took any wickets on the day, as Dwayne Smith finished with 3 for 50, and Bravo with 2 for 86. Marlon Samuels made do with his 3 wickets on day one, and ended with 3/149.

None of the specialist bowlers took a wicket, and all were expensive – Best 0/132 (26), Edwards 0/87 (18), Lawson 0/52 (12).

The ineffectiveness of the West Indians against tail end batsmen was once again apparent, as they let Victoria to 571 from 8/517. Adam Crosthwaite was central in the fightback, scoring 36 until he was last out.

Still recovering from a long toil in the field, the West Indian batsmen then felt the strain. Chris Gayle (17) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (10) were soon out to leave the score at 2/53.

Marlon Samuels came to the crease, but lost Devon Smith 15 runs later, for a score of 34, which contained 6 boundaries. He was debutant Siddle’s maiden First Class wicket.

Samuels was partnered by Chanderpaul in a recovery of sorts. The two added 63, and Samuels scored 50 off 56 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), but was Cameron White’s lone success of the day – 4/131. Chanderpaul and Dwayne Smith were on 15 and 12 not out respectively at the close of play, which came 75 minutes early, due to rain. Trailing by 427 runs, the West Indians will resume on the final day of the three-day match at a woeful 4/144.

Victoria 571
Brad Hodge 177, David Hussey 104, Cameron White 61
Dwayne Smith 3/50, Marlon Samuels 3/149, Dwayne Bravo 2/86

West Indians 4/144
Marlon Samuels 50, Devon Smith 34
Cameron White 1/24

West Indians trail by 427 runs with 6 first innings wickets in hand.