Cowan, Ponting Extend Australia's Lead

Cowan, Ponting Extend Australia's Lead

Ed Cowan scored a half-century as Australia build a handsome lead over the West Indies

©REUTERS / Action Images

Australia 328 & 200-6 (Ponting 57) v
West Indies 218 (Chanderpaul 68)
Third Test, Dominica, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two

Australia closed day three of the third and final Test against the West Indies with a lead of 310 after another day in which they controlled proceedings.

After the West Indies were bowled out for 218 in reply to 328, Australia closed on 200 for six as Ed Cowan and Ricky Ponting both scored half-centuries.

Ponting hit 57 in 130 balls and Cowan 55 in 123 in testing conditions against the West Indian spinners, who took four of the six wickets to fall.

Earlier, Shivnarine Chanderpaul had made his way to 68 and Ravi Rampaul made 31 to frustrate Australia early in the day before Chanderpaul was trapped in front by Mitchell Starc and Rampaul was caught by David Warner off Nathan Lyon.

Warner then departed early when Australia batted, falling for 11 when he was caught by Chanderpaul off Kemar Roach.

Shane Watson was dismissed for five when he was caught by Darren Sammy off Shane Shillingford before Cowan and Ponting stabilised the innings with an 87-run stand for the third wicket.

The West indies fought back as Narsingh Deonarine dismissed Cowan and Roach once again removed Ponting.

Michael Clarke (25) and Matthew Wade (4) then fell to Shillingford and Deonarine but with Michael Hussey unbeaten on 17 at stumps alongside Ryan Harris, who has four, Australia closed in the ascendency.

© Cricket World 2012