Australia in command despite Brathwaite’s defiance

Johannesburg : West Indies were struggling at 207 for six despite Kraigg Brathwaite’s gritty 85-run knock on the opening day of the rain-hit third Test against Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, West Indies recovered after the early dismissal of Shai hope (9) as Brathwaite and Darren Bravo scored a 91-run partnership for the second wicket before the 6dismissal of the latter on 33.

Marlon Samuels (4) failed to end his rough patch as he was run out in a dreadful mid-pitch mix-up before the first rain interruption, Sport24 reported.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon bagged his 100th Test wicket in Australia when he dismissed top-scoring opener Kraigg Brathwaite before removing Jermaine Blackwood for 10.

Meanwhile, Denesh Ramdin and Carlos Brathwaite remained unbeaten on their respective scores of 23 and 35 at the close of play after 75 overs.

Australia are aiming to clean sweep the three-match series after comprehensively defeating the tourists in the first two Tests. (ANI)