Perth, December 17: An enthralling counter-attacking century by Chris Gayle helped West Indies give a solid replay to Australia’s huge 520/7 on day two of the third and final Test at WACA on Thursday. When stumps were drawn for the day West Indies were 214/2, losing both the openers in the process.
Chris Gayle played an entertaining 102 off just 72 balls to lend a solid platform to the West Indies first innings before being removed by Doug Bollinger.
Gayle’s blitzkrieg consisted of 9 fours and 6 towering sixes that bamboozled the Australian attack. Every Oz bowler was put to the sword by the burly West Indian and hit all over the park.
Captain Chris Gayle gave West Indies a flying start in their first innings as they raced past 100-run mark in no time after Australia decided to end their innings at 520/7.
On a seemingly flat WACA track, the West Indian captain launched a scathing attacking against an in-experienced Australian attack and brought his fifty off just 34 balls with 8 fours and a six.
He then reached his hundred off only 70 balls to record the fifth fastest individual century in Test cricket.
Gayle, along with his opening partner Travis Dowlin, put together 136-run stand to give Australia a taste of their own medicine at their own den. Dowling played a matured innings of 55 and played as a perfect foil to his more attacking partner. He brought up the first fifty of his career before being caught superbly at point by Mike Hussey.
After Gayle’s departure, Ramnaresh Sarwan then joined the party as he played some attractive shots to remain unbeaten on 42.
Brad Haddin and Marcus North played attractive knocks as Australia declared their first innings at 520/7 on Day 2 of the third Test against West Indies at WACA on Thursday.
Haddin, along with Marcus North, gave the Australian first innings a much needed impetus with some superb hitting in the morning session.
Marcus North made 68 off 117 balls with eight fours. North continued with his rich form as he produced yet another fifty to propel Australia to a big score.
Resuming the Day 2 on 339 for three, Mike Hussey could manage to add on another 7 runs to his overnight score and departed for 88.
After his departure, Haddin and North put on an aggressive 90-run stand before North departed for a well-made 68.
Haddin, who was playing superbly, also got out for 88 and became the forth Australian batsmen in the innings to miss the century by whisker.
Earlier on day one, the Australians finished an entertaining day`s play on 339 for three, but Katich will be rueing a rash shot on 99 that led to his downfall, while Watson looked to be charging towards his maiden Test ton before being beaten for pace by Kemar Roach on 89.
Despite entering the Test under significant pressure to keep his place in the side, Hussey produced an untroubled 81 having come in midway through the second session when captain Ricky Ponting was forced to retire after being hit just above the elbow by a Roach screamer, clocked at 146kph.
Ponting was struck on the left arm by the second ball he faced after Roach, bearing down with the aid of a howling westerly, beat Watson`s forward defence, earning an edge to the keeper after the Australian opener took all before him in the first session.
In a fiery 40-minute period that provided good theatre for the crowd of 13,000, the Australian skipper courageously defied the pain to make 23 and still had time to belt Roach for two boundaries and a six in the one over.
But the skipper may find himself in hot water with match officials after being involved in a heated exchange with Dwayne Bravo that could see both players disciplined as umpire Ian Gould was forced to separate them.
After seeking attention from Australian physio Alex Kountouris on two occasions, Ponting was eventually forced to go to hospital for x-rays on his arm, although the skipper was eventually cleared of any break and will resume his battle with Roach on Thursday.
Despite all the distractions, Hussey quietly went about making runs, finishing the day 19 runs shy of his century, his only flourish being one over off Roach, where he hit the speedster for 12 runs.
He and fellow Western Australian, Marcus North (23) produced a steady finish to a day that seemed chock full of dramatic moments from the outset.
–Agencies