sport

Aussies in control in Dominica

Australia were in control after moving 204 runs ahead with eight wickets remaining at tea on day three of the third Test against West Indies.

Ed Cowan and Ricky Ponting were unbeaten on 45 and 28 respectively as Australia overcame the loss of two quick wickets to reach tea on 94 for two.

Australia could have wobbled when David Warner and Shane Watson were removed to leave the tourists on 25 for two - the latter becoming Shane Shillingford's seventh victim of the match - but the current incumbents made good progress as Australia look to seal a series victory.

Earlier, Nathan Lyon finished with four for 69 with Australia eventually ending Shivnarine Chanderpaul's dogged resistance at the crease, with the veteran batsman last out and also the hosts' top scorer with 68.

It could have been far worse as West Indies were 120 for eight at one stage yesterday, although Australia still started their second innings with a lead of 110.

Resuming on 165 for eight, Chanderpaul and Ravi Rampaul moved the score on to 186 before the latter was caught by Warner off the bowling of Lyon.

However, his removal could have been avoided, Rampaul trying to hit over midwicket but instead getting a thick edge with the ball looping to Warner at point.

His knock of 31 also formed part of a vital 66-run stand with Chanderpaul which had steadied matters after the team had been rocking.

Chanderpaul's 50 came when he lifted Ben Hilfenhaus over extra cover but, after moving on to 68, he was lbw to Mitchell Starc.

His knock came from 164 deliveries and contained three boundaries as the resistance of the West Indies' tail was finally ended.

Australia started their second innings with Warner and Cowan at the crease but having cracked two boundaries, the former was gone before the break, caught at slip by Chanderpaul.

Resuming after lunch on 18 for one, Australia had added just seven when they lost the wicket of

Watson for five, coming forward but directing the ball straight to Darren Sammy at slip.

Ponting joined Cowan at the crease and the runs started to flow comfortably.

Cowan was unbeaten on a brisk 45 off 101 deliveries, including four boundaries, with Ponting a solid presence.

Update:

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