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Australia scents victory

West Indies needs 51 runs to level the series

PERTH: Chasing 359 for a series-levelling victory in the third Test at the WACA, West Indies appeared well placed on 196 for three after tea on the fourth day.

But Australia’s bowlers derailed the touring side’s pursuit, claiming six wickets in the remainder of the final session to leave West Indies at 308 for nine at stumps. The West Indies lower-order raised quick runs, 34 for the eighth wicket in 4.4 overs, and 29 for the unbroken 10th wicket in five overs, but the 51 still needed for victory appears a bridge too far.

Australia appeared in control of the match at lunch.

Neither Chris Gayle nor Travis Dowlin was able to emulate their first-innings efforts, and in the over before the interval, Nathan Hauritz had Ramnaresh Sarwan caught behind with a quicker one to leave West Indies on 68 for three.

But Narsingh Deonarine (82) and Brendan Nash (65) refused to give in, and as their partnership grew so did hopes of a miraculous win in the West Indies dressing room.

Unfortunate end

Nash was determined not to let the Australians — several of whom he played with and against during his time with Queensland — upset his concentration. He struggled with his timing, but made up with stubbornness and concentration.

Deonarine and Nash had added 128 in a little over three hours when the former was bowled by Shane Watson off the bat and pad. Dwayne Bravo chased a wide Mitchell Johnson delivery to be caught at gully, giving Australia a double breakthrough.

Clint McKay took his first Test wicket, bowling Denesh Ramdin off the inside edge, and Doug Bollinger ended Nash’s brave resistance with the second new ball, the left-hander shouldering arms to a delivery that nipped in. Sulieman Benn made a quick-fire 33, which included two cleanly struck sixes off Johnson.

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