Half-centuries from Steve Smith and Cameron Green shifted the momentum firmly in Australia's favor on day three of the second Test against the West Indies on Saturday, turning a shaky start into a dominant position.
After resuming their second innings on a precarious 12-2, Australia reached 221-7 by stumps, building a healthy lead of 254 runs in the three-match series, where they already hold a 1-0 advantage.
On a pitch that continued to behave unpredictably, with deliveries frequently staying low, Australia was optimistic about setting the West Indies a target that would be difficult to chase.
“We're in a good position,” Smith said. “The pitch isn’t going to improve, and it’ll probably play more tricks. The new ball will be crucial. Hopefully, we can stretch the lead to around 300.”
The Australian batters had to grind their way to 209 runs in 58.3 overs during a stop-start day, with three rain interruptions causing nearly two hours of lost play. When bad light ended the day's proceedings, Alex Carey was unbeaten on 26 from 27 balls alongside captain Pat Cummins, who was on 4.
Despite the challenges, Australia was firmly on top.
Smith joined Green at the crease after nightwatchman Nathan Lyon survived for nine overs before falling for 8. The first delivery Smith faced from Alzarri Joseph struck his right glove — the same hand that suffered a dislocated pinkie in last month’s World Test Championship final, which ruled him out of the first Test in Barbados.
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“It wasn’t ideal getting hit on the finger, but it feels okay,” Smith said. “It’s just one of those surfaces where some deliveries pop, and you might have to wear a few on the hands.”
Green, who resumed on 6, surpassed his previous best score as Australia’s No. 3, bringing up his half-century after lunch with his fifth boundary off 122 balls. But he was dismissed on the next delivery, chopping on to his stumps off Shamar Joseph for 52, ending a crucial 93-run partnership with Smith.
Smith continued steadily, reaching his half-century in 79 balls with his sixth boundary. He and Travis Head carried Australia to tea with a lead of 208.
However, shortly after the interval, Smith was trapped lbw by Justin Greaves. A review confirmed the ball struck him in line with the off stump. Smith's knock of 71 from 119 balls included seven boundaries and a six launched over long-off off Roston Chase.
Greaves struck again to remove Beau Webster for 2, but Head and Carey provided some momentum with a 31-run stand before Head was bowled by Shamar Joseph for 39, leaving Australia in a strong position heading into day four.