Sunday, June 01, 2008

Clarke excels with bat and ball as Australia dominate

Australia 7/479 dec ( S Katich 113, M Clarke 110, R Ponting 65, B Lee 63 no, J Taylor 3/95) v West Indies 3/125. Day 2 Second Test at North Sound, Antigua.

After Simon Katich was out without adding to his overnight score Michael Clarke took his overnight 38 to a fluent 110/187b (12x4). The other batters all chipped in, only Andrew Symonds disappointing after his two top quality innings in Jamaica. As on the first day, the West Indies quick bowlers persevered but were let down too often in the field which allowed a series of partnerships to develop.

Rain later in day prompted an Australian declaration. The West Indies began well with a 55run / 56b opening stand. Xavier Marshall impressed as a strokeplaying opener; he reached 50 from 57 balls before Michael Clarke had him lbw from a straight ball for 53/69b (8x4). In the same over Runako Morton played a wild shot which he miscued and was caught at midwicket. 1/103 had become 3/105 and a competitive reply looked a long way away.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan stayed together until stumps and added 20 against bowling of variable quality, which suggests that the team should at least be able to save the follow on. But, if there are further rushes of blood and injudicious strokes....
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Scorecard