Clarke And Hussey Dig In For Australia

Clarke And Hussey Dig In For Australia

Michael Clarke (left) and Michael Hussey guided Australia to a position where the West Indies will almost certainly have to bat again in Barbados

©REUTERS / Action Images

West Indies 449-9 dec. (Chanderpaul 103no) v
Australia 248-5 (Clarke 73, Hussey 47no)
First Test, Barbados, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two

Australia dug deep on day three of the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, closing on 248 for five in reply to the hosts' score of 449 for nine declared.

Michael Clarke made 73 in 173 balls and Michael Hussey was unbeaten on 47 in 156 deliveries as the Australians put a high price on their wickets.

Ed Cowan (14) and Ricky Ponting (4) were the only players not to make a start as West Indies captain Darren Sammy led by example, taking two for 33 on an attritional day.

Cowan was first to go when he was caught behind off Sammy and opening partner David Warner followed when he was caught by Darren Bravo off Sammy for 42.

Ponting was run out by Kraigg Brathwaite and Baugh but captain Clarke and vice-captain Shane Watson added 49 for the fourth wicket.

Kemar Roach struck to remove Watson as Baugh took another catch but any thoughts the West Indies had of swiftly running through the rest of the line-up were stalled by Clarke and Hussey.

The pair ground out 82 runs in just under 35 overs, Clarke hitting four fours and a six before he was caught by Narsingh Deonarine off Devendra Bishoo.

Debutant Matthew Wade was unbeaten 19 on 53 balls at stumps.

All 11 players reached double figures during the West Indies' innings, in which Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored his 25th Test century in scoring 103 not out.

© Cricket World 2012