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West Indies No. 3 , Kirk McKenzie forced Australia’s bowlers toil in sweltering conditions
at the Gabba before falling to off-spinner Nathan Lyon late in the first
session as the second Test hung in the balance.
Following a chaotic second day, the game resumed as
the pitch stabilised and the West Indies prepared to bat for the duration of
the heatwave in extremely hot and muggy conditions.
However, McKenzie’s removal for 41 after some
excellent driving was a blow after captain Kraigg Brathwaite was removed
earlier in the day three opening session.
But as they look to snap a two-decade Test drought
against Australia, the West Indies have dug in and played largely with
discipline to lay the groundwork for a commanding advantage.
Before dinner, Alick Athanaze and the highly effective
Kavem Hodge withstood a rigorous inspection, leaving the match in a precarious
position. At the beginning of the break, Athanaze had a respite when he edged
out all-rounder Cameron Green to slips, but Steven Smith, diving, dropped a
one-handed chance to his right as he flew in front of first slip.
After Smith clobbered Brathwaite late in the second
day, it was his second dropped catch of the innings.
Because of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily’s aftermath, there
is a chance of rain tonight, and days four and five are expected to see
particularly strong rains.
West Indies needed to withstand the assault of new
balls and reach the 25-over mark reasonably unharmed, even though batting has
proven to be easier. They resumed at 13 for 1 in their second innings.
In a precursor to things to come, McKenzie roared
through the covers with a stunning drive off Mitchell Starc’s first over. He
took another dose, forcing Hazlewood to abandon his frugal strategy as he
scored runs at a run-a-ball clip.
In the fifteenth over, captain Pat Cummins came into
the attack in an attempt to produce his signature game-changing wicket after
Hazlewood and Starc were foiled. However, a thrilling tussle continued as
McKenzie effortlessly drove him down the ground for another superb boundary,
forcing Cummins to return to a challenging length.
After slowing down, McKenzie attempted a sweep shot on
his 50th ball, but Lyon trapped him leg before wicket on his second delivery.
Having been struck high on his back leg, McKenzie opted to review just in time.
However, ball tracking revealed that the hit was clipping the off bail, and the
decision was upheld.
Athanaze has had limited impact in the series, but
showed glimpses of why he is highly-rated with several attractive strokes and
he’ll look to cash in on his luck after the break.