The West Indies showed heart but lacked a batting anchor on Friday, as Australia reduced the tourists to 283 all out and building a lead of 344 runs on Day III of the first Test in Perth.
The hosts, who had put up a massive first innings score of 598/4 before declaring, opted not to enforce the follow-on and reached 29/1 at stumps.
“Hopefully the pitch gets a little bit harder to bat on,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said of giving his bowlers a rest after fielding for 98.2 overs.
Josh Hazlewood bowled the first over to Tagenarine Chanderpaul. After bringing up a half-century on his debut — just as his father Shivnarine did against England in 1994 — the 26-year-old nicked the ball to David Warner at second slip and departed for a 79-ball 51.
A 140 kph bouncer from Cameron Green hit Nkrumah Bonner on the side of the helmet, forcing him out of the game, retired hurt on 16.
Ponting unwell
Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting was taken to hospital on Friday after suffering a heart problem while commentating.
According to reports, Ponting left the Perth Stadium around lunchtime after feeling unwell.
Reports added that the 47-year-old told colleagues he was feeling alright but went to hospital as a precaution.
Brief scores: Australia 598/4 decl (M. Labuschagne 204, S. Smith 200 n.o) & 29/1; West Indies 283 ( K. Brathwaite 64, T. Chanderpaul 51; P. Cummins 3/34, M. Starc 3/51). At stumps, Day III)
