Related Links : Australia’s Tour of West Indies 2008 | Scorecard
There was a complete contrast in the proceedings on the third day of the third Test at Bridgetown. While the first two days produced as many as 20 wickets, the third one saw only three falling at the cost of nearly 300 runs! Australia found the pitch too flat as they batted Windies out of the match with a total of 330 for 3 in their second innings. The overall lead for them is already 365 and they would be looking for another 135 runs before they declare.
Simon Katich was the star of the day and he is still unfinished with a knock of 148. Katich batted all through the day facing 323 balls and striking 13 fours. His partner Phil Jaques found some form to score his third hundred of his career as Australia put on 223 for the opening wicket. For Katich, it was his fourth hundred. Their opening partnership came to an end just a few minutes before Tea with Jaques (108 from 224 balls with 9 fours) falling to Fidel Edwards. West Indies in the final session got the wickets of Ponting (38 from 72 balls with 2 fours and a six) and Hussey (18) but that wasn’t going to alter the match situation.
With the fast bowlers proving to be ineffective on a pitch that suddenly changed colours like a chameleon, Gayle was forced to bowl left arm spinner Sulieman Benn for 36 overs. Gayle also chipped in with 16 overs in a bid to curtail the scoring rate. Aussies got to 330 for 5 in 112 overs at stumps with Katich on 148 along with Clarke who is on 0. With still two full days to go, only rain can save West Indies from an inevitable defeat.