Windies make Australia pay for missed opportunities
A slow Kensington Oval pitch and a number of dropped catches helped
the West Indies build a solid start against Australia on the opening day
of the first Test on Saturday. When rain curtailed the day, the home
side were 179 for 3 with the backbone of the score being a century
second wicket partnership between Kraigg Brathwaite and Kirk Edwards.
Having won the toss, the West Indies' openers made a steady start and
the initial breakthrough for Australia didn't come until the 18th over.
For his second spell, Ryan Harris had replaced Nathan Lyon at the
Malcolm Marshall end and came around the wicket to Adrian Barath.
His third ball was a bouncer outside off stump that Barath, who had
made 22, hit high in the air for Peter Siddle to get under at fine-leg.
Edwards joined Brathwaite and he started slowly but the score was
steadily building with Brathwaite being fortunate to survive three tough
chances that he offered.
His first slice of luck came during the morning session.
In his third over, Siddle had him playing too early and, as his hand
came off the bat, the ball looped back to the bowler who, despite
getting his left hand down to the dropping ball, couldn't hold on to the
chance.Brathwaite moved on to 44 when Shane Watson induced an edge that
went wide to Ricky Ponting's right at second slip.
He did well to reach the ball but he couldn't grasp it as the ball
died on him.
It was Watson, himself, who was the culprit for the third chance.
Siddle found the edge of Brathwaite's bat and the ball flew high
above Watson's head at fourth slip and, despite getting both hands to
the ball, he couldn't hang on.Late into the second session, Edwards
upped the tempo and smashed Lyon over long-on for six.
As Clarke looked for options he turned to part-time leg-break bowler
David Warner.
When Edwards had reached 61 he smashed a return catch back at Warner
who took it smartly. It was Warner's first international wicket and he
was clearly delighted to have made a contribution with the ball breaking
the 104-run second wicket partnership.
WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS
A. Barath c Siddle b Harris 22
K. Brathwaite c Wade b Siddle 57
K. Edwards c and b Warner 61
Darren Bravo not out 20
S. Chanderpaul not out 8
Extras (b4, lb2, w4, nb1) 11
Total (3 wickets; 73 overs) 179
To bat: N Deonarine, D Sammy (capt), C Baugh, D Bishoo, F Edwards, K Roach.
FALL OF WICKETS: 1-38 (Barath), 2-142 (Edwards), 3-167 (Brathwaite).
Bowling: Harris 15-4-29-1, Hilfenhaus 16-4-32-0 (1nb), Siddle 17-8-36-1 (2w),
Lyon 12-5-31-0, Clarke 2-0-4-0, Watson 6-2-18-0, Warner 5-0-23-1.
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