Australia on top in Roseau

Australia finished day three of the third Test against West Indies well on top as the tourists ended on 200 for six for a lead of 310 runs.

While they may be in control, the tourists will have been disappointed to have lost four wickets after tea in Dominica.

Ricky Ponting and Ed Cowan made 57 and 55 respectively with captain Michael Clarke the next highest scorer with 25 and at the close Michael Hussey was 17no alongside Ryan Harris (4no).

Shane Shillingford took two more wickets to bring to eight the number of victims he has claimed so far in this Test.

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 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 score 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.

A four off Narsingh Deonarine brought up Cowan's 50 but after adding five more runs, the same man removed the Australian with Sammy taking a superb catch at shoulder height.

Cowan's innings came off 123 deliveries and included five boundaries as he shared a stand of 87 with Ponting.

Michael Clarke came to the crease and he and his former captain set about the West Indian bowlers.

A single off Kemar Roach brought up Ponting's half-century but after adding seven more, he was caught by Chanderpaul off a top edge.

His innings came off 130 balls and included four boundaries and his departure left Australia on 168 for four but just three runs later Clarke was trudging back to the pavilion after offering an easy catch to Bravo off Shillingford.

Matthew Wade scored a century in the first innings but he had made just four when he was lbw to Deonarine and despite the Australian asking for a review, that merely confirmed his exit, leaving the tourists on 196 for six with just four more scored before stumps.