BRISBANE, 6 November 2005 — Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden smashed centuries yesterday to give Australia a huge lead over West Indies and the chance to push for an early victory in the first Test.
When bad light ended play early on the third day at the Gabba, Australia were cruising along at 283 for two, leading by 508 runs and contemplating an overnight declaration.
“We can declare really anytime now with two days to go,” Hayden told reporters.
“We’re now in such a great position that I think the result of grinding them down has put us there.”
Ponting followed up his brilliant 149 in the first innings with an unbeaten 104 and the rejuvenated Hayden blasted 118 as the Australians rammed home their advantage.
Hayden and Ponting shared a second-wicket partnership of 187 after Test debutant Mike Hussey was dismissed for 29. Hayden then threw his wicket away half an hour before stumps in the pursuit of quick runs, allowing Michael Clarke to make a brisk 14 not out.
West Indies set a world record for the best fourth-innings run chase when they made 418 to win their last match against Australia in Antigua in 2003 but their prospects look bleak this time after they collapsed to 210 all out before lunch. Glenn McGrath had ripped through the top-order the previous afternoon and Shane Warne promptly mopped up the tail with a masterful display of leg-spin bowling.
Warne dismissed Daren Powell (4), Fidel Edwards (2), Corey Collymore (nought) and Jermaine Lawson (nought) to take four for five in a captivating eight-over spell.
He was at his brilliant best as he tormented the West Indian lower-order by going through his full repertoire of deliveries to finish with figures of five for 48, his 33rd five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Warne removed Powell with an edged catch to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, bowled Edwards with a wrong’un, got rid of Collymore when he nicked a big leg-break to Clarke and trapped Lawson lbw with a perfectly disguised flipper.
Ponting turned down the chance to enforce the follow-on even though Australia were 225 ahead on first innings to allow his batsmen to build an even bigger lead on a Gabba pitch still perfect for heavy scoring.
Hussey, called in to replace the injured Justin Langer, failed to make the most of his opportunity when he presented Collymore with a straightforward catch off Chris Gayle soon after the same fielder had dropped an even easier chance. Hayden and Ponting also had let-offs as the West Indian fielding started to unravel under the constant pressure being applied by the Australians. Ponting was caught in the slips off a no-ball from Lawson when he was on 18 while Hayden was dropped by Marlon Samuels at gully on 54.
Hayden, who was almost axed from the team before saving his career with a century in the last Ashes Test, completed his third hundred in as many matches.
Chappell Urges India to Keep Pressure on Lanka
In Ahmedabad, India, India coach Greg Chappell has demanded no let-up from his triumphant team after they clinched their seven-match one-day series against Sri Lanka 4-0.
The former Australia Test player wants India to maintain the pressure on the Lankans in the last three encounters to be ready for the challenge of South Africa later this month.
The five-match series against South Africa starts on Nov. 16. Chappell hinted that India may rest one or two leading players for the last three matches against Sri Lanka.
