SYDNEY, 18 October 2003 — Stuart Carlisle scored his maiden Test hundred to help Zimbabwe post a respectable total of 256 for eight on the opening day of the second Test with Australia yesterday.
Carlisle bettered his previous high score of 77, made against India two seasons ago, to finish with 118 before falling just before the close of play.
“It’s definitely the best moment of my Test career,” Carlisle said. Zimbabwe had seemed to be heading toward a lower total after losing Dion Ebrahim, Trevor Gripper and Mark Vermeulen in the first hour before Carlisle came to the rescue.
The 31-year-old shared half-century partnerships with Tatenda Taibu and Heath Streak as he slowly set about rebuilding the innings in front of a dismal Sydney Cricket Ground crowd of 5,455. Carlisle had a let-off on 36 when Matthew Hayden dropped him at slip but hardly played another false shot against an Australian attack weakened by the absence of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Stuart MacGill.
The Australians began well when express bowler Brett Lee bowled Ebrahim for nine in the fifth over of the day with a delivery that beat him for pace. Gripper followed shortly after when he was caught by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist for 15, then debutant Brad Williams grabbed his first Test wicket when he trapped Vermeulen lbw for 17 with the total on 47.
Williams captured a second wicket after lunch when Craig Wishart nicked one behind, then leg-spinner Brad Hogg chipped in to dismiss Taibau for 27 when he top-edged an attempted cut.
Carlisle and current skipper Streak added 67 for the sixth wicket before Streak went for 14, lbw to Hogg, triggering a minor late collapse.
