PORT OF SPAIN – Australia was slowly and cautiously rebuilding its first innings after West Indies made early inroads on the opening day of the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad Sunday.
The tourists, 1-0 up in the three-match series after winning in Barbados last week, crawled their way to 132 for three when tea was taken.
Shane Watson was unbeaten on 44 from 121 balls while captain Michael Clarke was 21 not out off 73 deliveries.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first on a flat pitch, the Australians made a flying start, racing to 53 without loss in the first hour, but the runs then quickly dried up.
Australia was forced to adopt to a more defensive approach after losing three wickets and the pitch started to show early signs of turning.
Recalled spinner Shane Shillingford made the initial breakthrough just after the first drinks break when he dismissed David Warner for 29.
Paceman Kemar Roach struck twice, just before lunch to get rid of Ed Cowan for 28, then again early in the second session to remove Ricky Ponting for seven.
Warner had a lucky escape in the first over of the match from Fidel Edwards when he was given out caught behind by South Africa umpire Marias Erasmus.
Warner challenged the ruling and television reviews showed that he did not get an edge but would have been out leg before wicket.
The left-hander was allowed to stay. — Reuters
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