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Australia had a mixed show against the West Indies on Day 3 of the second and final Test match in the series at the Gabba on January 27. West Indies initially held the upper hand during the first one and a half sessions, but Australia managed to fight back and are now in a commanding position to potentially sweep the series.
Steve Smith, opening for Australia, played an impressive unbeaten 33 late in the day, steering Australia towards a strong position to clinch the Test match. The day concluded with Australia at 60/2, requiring another 156 runs for victory. The start of the day was challenging for Australia, as their pacers struggled with ineffective fielding. Normally known for their high fielding standards, the team missed straightforward chances, allowing the Windies to reach 140/4. Kavem Hodge, in his second Test match, continued to look at ease following his half-century in the previous innings.
Momentum Shift
In a pivotal moment, 30-year-old Kavem Hodge experienced a lapse in judgment and was run out by Travis Head at short-leg. Hodge had nudged the ball to the leg side and attempted a quick single, but Head, with a brilliant reflex action, caught the ball at short-leg and swiftly threw it back to hit the stumps, resulting in Hodge's dismissal.
This incident marked a shift in momentum, with the visiting team subsequently losing wickets at regular intervals. In a stark contrast to their earlier resilience, the final four West Indian wickets (effectively three) fell within the span of the last 10 runs, as their tail-enders couldn't replicate their first innings' strong performance.
Starc's Devastating Delivery
The West Indian innings concluded with a blow when Mitchell Starc delivered a ferocious yorker that struck the young pacer Shamar Joseph on the toe. The impact visibly pained Joseph, who was then assisted off the field, retiring hurt. This marked the end of the West Indies' batting effort.
Steve Smith Takes Charge as Opener
In the final hour of play against the West Indies, under the floodlights, Steve Smith took to the crease with a determined and attacking approach. He unleashed a variety of shots, overpowering the West Indies' fast bowlers and ensuring a brisk start for Australia. Although the hosts lost Usman Khawaja, who nicked one down the leg side, and Marnus Labuschagne, caught in the slips, they were in a strong position with Steve Smith and Cameron Green still batting.
Heading into Day 4 of the Test match, Australia resumes batting at 60/2 and needs an additional 156 runs to win the Test and complete a series clean sweep.
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