Harris and Hilfenhaus swing test back to Aussies
Some fine batting by Ryan Harris and an electrifying spell of bowling
from Ben Hilfenhaus looked to have turned the first Test with the West
Indies in Australia's favour on an engrossing fourth day here Tuesday.
West Indies finished the day on 71 for five in its' second innings,
leading by just 114 runs after Australia's tail wagged and Hilfenhaus
knocked over their top order.
Earlier captain Michael Clarke declared Australia's first innings at
406 for nine with his side still trailing by 43 runs.
It was an aggressive move allowing his bowlers to attack the West
Indian batsmen either side of tea and Hilfenhaus took advantage in the
25 minutes leading up to the break removing the top three.
Harris - who had earlier hit an unbeaten 68 - added the important
scalp of Shivnarine Chanderpaul shortly after tea.
“To get him out second innings for not many was a huge wicket because
I think they batted around him a fair bit,” said Harris.
He thought that the declaration had set the West Indies on the back
foot.
“To declare and put them in straight away, it probably didn't give
them a chance to get their head around batting.
“I think it showed, obviously, taking three or four quick wickets. I
think it was a good declaration. We want to win the Test match.” West
Indies' coach Otis Gibson thought that the 145 overs in the field had an
impact on the top order.
“Hilfenhaus came out and bowled a great spell, some tired legs,
batsmen didn't move their feet and so on and he got a couple of wickets.
“This is why it's called Test cricket. It's tough. It's tough on you
mentally, it's tough on you physically. That three hour session this
morning was tough on the guys but they hung in.” However; Gibson still
believed his side could win.
“We believe if we get 200 on the board it'll be a very interesting
run chase tomorrow (Wednesday)” It was a remarkable turnaround in
fortunes as the Australians had at one point been 199 runs behind with
only three first innings wickets remaining.
AFP
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