The crucial third cricket Test between Australia and the West Indies is precariously poised on a knife edge after a see-sawing third day at Adelaide Oval today. The Windies lifted in the final session to snatch four wickets, leaving Australia with 403 for nine, a slender lead of 12 over the tourists' first innings 391 when rain and bad light forced players off the field before the scheduled close.
Damien Martyn, unbeaten with 46, and Glenn Mcgrath (one not out) will resume tomorrow at the start of the fourth day of the enthralling five-day game. The wicket is showing distinct signs of wear and a chase of about 200 could be a tough task for Australia on the final day if the Windies are able to set a target of that magnitude.
Leading 2-0 in the five-match series, Australia will clinch the rubber and retain the Frank Worrell trophy if they win, as well as extend their world record sequence of 12 successive test wins. Australia, with 355 for five at tea, appeared to be coasting towards a big first innings lead.
But the Windies struck back again to remove Ricky Ponting (92), acting captain Adam Gilchrist (nine), Stuart Macgill (six) and Colin Miller (one). The vital wicket of Ponting was snared by veteran speedster Courtney Walsh before Nixon Mclean trapped Gilchrist and Miller and Mervyn Dillon accounted for Macgill.
Ponting celebrated his appointment as Australian vice-captain by hammering the West Indies' bowling in the second session.
Bureau Report