Friday, 27 April 2012

Australia Clinch Windies Series



Australia wrapped up a 75-run victory over the West Indies on the final morning of the third Test to clinch the series 2-0 in Dominica.
Skipper Michael Clarke claimed his second five-wicket haul as the hosts, set a sizeable target of 370, were bowled out for 294 shortly before lunch.

Opposite number Darren Sammy did take the fight to Australia in the closing stages, hitting a Test-best 61 that included three sixes and four fours.

However the West Indies captain - who has been confirmed in the job for the upcoming tour to England - was the last man out when he was caught at short fine leg off the bowling of Nathan Lyon, who finished with figures of 3-87.

It was Clarke, though, who was the leading slow bowler for the tourists, as he claimed 5-86 from 23 overs. It is still not quite his best figures, having taken 6-9 against India way back in 2004.
Return catch

Having claimed the key scalp of Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the final over of day three, the left-arm off-spinner picked up the first wicket of the day when he took a return catch from Narsingh Deonarine (13).

Lyon had Carlton Baugh caught at midwicket by Ricky Ponting for 12 and also removed Kemar Roach thanks to a sharp grab at slip by Clarke.

When Ravi Rampaul perished in the deep to become Clarke's fifth scalp, Australia looked on course to wrap up a comfortable triumph with their opponents nine down and only 245 on the board.

Sammy, though, combined with last-man Shain Shillingford to frustrate the visitors with a 10th-wicket stand worth 49 in 63 balls.

Their positive approach, even Shillingford hit six boundaries in his unbeaten 31, may have caused a few worries for Australia, particularly when the second new ball couldn't claim the final wicket required.

Clarke instead turned back to Lyon to finish proceedings, Sammy top-edging a paddle sweep for Hilfenhaus to move in and take a simple catch.



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