Rain proves a pain in Port-of-Spain

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Persistent showers reduced the chances of a positive result in the second Test between West Indies and Australia, with almost two-thirds of the fourth day lost to rain.

After the hosts had seen their first innings ended by the fourth ball of the morning, Australia progressed to 73 for three - and a lead of 127 - before the inclement weather brought proceedings to a premature close early in the afternoon.

Kemar Roach, who returned 5-105 in the first innings, claimed all three wickets for the Windies, the paceman gaining deserved reward for a fiery spell after he had been brought into the attack in the 11th over.

At stumps, Ricky Ponting was unbeaten on 32, having survived an early run-out chance, with his successor as captain, Michael Clarke, alongside on three.

West Indies resumed on 252 for nine, but added just five to that total before wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh was trapped lbw, on the sweep, by slow left-armer Michael Beer.

Unsurprisingly, Australia were also exposed to spin early on as Shane Shillingford, an impressive performer on his return to the Windies side, opened the bowling alongside Fidel Edwards.

Shillingford bowled unchanged for 15 overs and caused plenty of problems with his off-breaks and the occasional doosra.

However, it was Edwards who came closest to making a breakthrough prior to Roach’s introduction, the seamer having Ed Cowan dropped at slip by Darren Sammy.

That error was soon forgotten as Australia lost two wickets in Roach’s opening over.

Kemar Roach is all smiles after removing Shane Watson's off stump. The Barbadian fast bowler claimed 3-27 on a truncated fourth day

David Warner did not enjoy the same fortune as Cowan and was pouched at slip by Darren Bravo after getting an edge to one from round the wicket.

Three deliveries later, Shane Watson was sent back for a duck, his off stump removed by a ball that nipped back and appeared to keep a little low.

Edwards missed an opportunity to run out Ponting with a throw from mid-off and the same batsman received another let-off when Adrian Barath failed to take a sharp catch at short-leg off Shillingford.

The Windies did pick up one further wicket, however, when Cowan played across the line to Roach and was adjudged leg before for 20.