Australia set Windies 301 target to win first Test
Ben Findon |
Australia have set West Indies a target of 301 to win the first Test after a second-innings of determined defiance frustrated the hosts in Bridgetown.
Having resumed on day three on a perilous-looking 4-92, and a lead of 82, the tourists dug deep to put themselves in a strong position.
After Travis Head led the morning fightback with his second half-century of the Test, Beau Webster and Alex Carey built on his good work to push Australia into the ascendancy.
Head made 61 before falling to a straight one from Shamar Joseph that kept low and thundered into his pads. There was no doubting that and Head departed with a rueful smile without considering a review.
Despite a reputation built on aggressive batting, here he went about his work with great patience, testament to his quality and character.
Head had earlier had a moment of good fortune when dropped at second slip by Justin Greaves when on 21. He took full advantage of that reprieve to put on a crucial 102-run partnership with Webster
That was Australia’s only loss before lunch and with Webster going on to make 63 and Carey adding 65, the visitors piled on the frustration for the home attack.
Webster fell to an unfortunate tickle down the leg side as Shamar Joseph picked up his third wicket.
Carey, displaying some exciting stroke-making, fell when trying a shot over cover from Roston Chase, the West Indies captain, and was caught in the deep by Greaves.
When Australia No.11 Josh Hazlewood swung at one outside the off-stump and got a massive edge, the ball fizzed back on to the stumps and Australia were finally all out for 310.
Perhaps most telling was the sight of Shamar Joseph who, rather than celebrating his fifth wicket, was crouching down and beating the pitch with his hand as the players headed off for tea.
AAP
