H_T

Agree. Would love to be there today.

I share that sentiment. Better to do it now whilst we're arguably playing a "minnow" , must get the side right. Let's see a genuine opener open. A genuine opener wouldn't have gone the smash on 96 and bowled neck and crop middle stump. That's an all-rounders job. Watson can go down the order.

Gayle 102 not out. Nash 20 not out. Run rate 3.17 However the last 10 overs it has been ~4.10 WI 3/181, lead by 193 runs with 7 wickets in hand. 37 overs remaining for the day. The next ~7 overs remaining before tea will be important. It will be interesting to see what the West Indies do in the last session too and whether they declare, or bat out the day. It will undoubtedly depend upon Gayle's current knock and his partnership with Nash and Bravo still to come. Game is up for grabs, with the "draw" still very much a possibility. Whilst the West Indies still have 7 wickets, I'm guessing 350 + lead as long as they can bat another 30 + overs. Pressure will mount for Australia.

Siddle has a hammy worry too RR. Might not bowl. edit: - You already know that, I skimmed too quick initially.

I have been really impressed with the West Indian spinner in Benn and their quick Roach. Roach consistenly bowls up near 150km/h and has troubled the batsmen in Adelaide. Deserved more than 3 wickets I thought. The lead is minimal but they do have 10 wickets in hand. A full days play at anything near their first innings run rate of ~3.90 should ensure a 350 + total and a more than competitive target for Australia to obtain on a weary fifth day pitch. Some good bowling by the West Indies will have the Aussies under pressure. The odds of $13 to win for the West Indies before the test, looks an even bet at present. Good luck to anyone who got on at those odds, because you're in with a real chance.

Well well well, 9/416 after lunch the West Indies and the aussie bowlers looking a little expensive and have not bowled with purpose in the 1st session. Johnson didn't bend his back, Hauritz whilst bowling just ok is handy but expensive. Too inconsistent for my liking. too safe. I would like to see him change to over the wicket and toss it up a bit, give it a bit of air. Tail is wagging for the West Indies. Frustrating for the Aussies. Nash looking for his century, toughed it out well.

early wicket on day 2. Watson bowled well on day 1 with good swing created by bowling with a good seam. West Indies now have 350 up and have given the 2nd test an injection of good interest for the Test with some decent partnerships. Just what the cricket followers wanted.

Sure enough...wickets to Shane Watson. WI 5/261 with Bravo not out on 96... Nash is retired hurt. I hope the WI get 300+ and make a game of it.

Thankgod for Chanderpaul & Bravo. Ensuring at least by the look of things a target of over 300 at this stage. But things could just as easily change dramatically... Score: 3/186 - 49 overs. Chanderpaul 51 not out Bravo 41 not out

Wow. Thanks for the updates on this game. 39 balls....should do it in a canter..

Yes. Twenty20 and Ford Ranger Cup are what he is concentrating on. Excellent first class career. Good decision.

He also stated that he has grown 2cm in the last year; 10cm the year before. To be eating 7 Vita Brits at the age of 2 is unbelievable.

Max Gawn. 207.8cm.

Agree. He was plum on that lbw. Pitched in line, hitting off stump (high). To begin walking, then think, "hang on a second" was silly. True. Although the West Indies were better back then in 2000/01 (with Lara in the side), than they are now. Albeit, not by much.

Agree. W.I. dominance in cricket really is a far distant memory. If you had introduced someone new to the game and later told them that the West Indies were a dominant force for over a decade and a half in the 80's and early 90's......they would retort "What the hell happened to them ..?"

Bored. Katich Hughes Jaques Rogers Watson

oh oh...me...me. Yes. Although, we shouldn't hold our breath. He is representing Victoria. The wrong shade of blue. Who are the other contenders....: Shaun Marsh ? Phil Hughes ? Phil Jaques ?

After being 1/0 (Watson out LBW), Australia has recovered well to be 1/114 after 24 overs at lunch. Slow over rate ? Run rate: 4.75 Katich 56 not out Ponting 51 not out Game over

Did I hear right. Wigan are going to pay back money to the supporters who went along ?

Ah yes. Well done 45h. Great stuff, great stats. Your last line is interesting (2000's); as it may be more relevant to the modern game and modern day pitches. 68% is a fair %. But then again we have been a dominant force in cricket. Even more amazing is bowling first with a win% of 91% ! Wow. Therefore my theory, being that the pitch & weather conditions (in relation to the the toss) do play a part I believe in the result. Rather than going by the theory along the lines of "if you bat first you're almost guaranteed to win every time"...

10 wickets in hand. The Vics for me JJC.

Amazing resemblance.... Alistair McDermott

Now that Richie has signed on for another 3 years, that will give Billy Birmingham another idea for another CD. Probably be entitled, "I'm back!"

I was pleasantly surprised on hearing the news on Benaud. Good on him. Good to see most of the West Indies players have made the tour. I was thinking they would arrive with a second string half-baked side. Ponting is glad to see the better players have all made the trip. Pakistan have dealt with NZ in fine fashion of late. Could be interesting. Fwiw, I think the aussies do have them covered this summer.

Ponting is always trying to win. Your disrespect for Ricky Ponting is bordering on ridiculous. Come on WYL, the side has gone through many changes. Plenty of players have had their chance. ie. Spinners, bowlers,... . If anything I'd say the selectors have been pro active not lazy.