Shillingford shines for Windies

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Shane Shillingford took four wickets on his home ground as West Indies gained the upper hand on the opening day of the third Test against Australia at Dominica.

After winning the toss, Australia looked to be in a comfortable position at 142 for three thanks to a second-wicket partnership of 83 between David Warner, who made 50, and Shane Watson.

But, on a wicket offering sharp turn and bounce for the spinners, Shillingford excelled with figures of 4-77 off 34 overs to trigger a middle-order collapse that saw the tourists lose four wickets for just 27 runs.

However, Matthew Wade and the recalled Mitchell Starc led the recovery with an unbroken stand of 43 to help their side close on 212 for seven.

Australia, who lead the three-match series 1-0, were soon in trouble as Ed Cowan, offering no shot, was trapped in front by Ravi Rampaul in the second over.

Spinner Shane Shillingford celebrates with captain Darren Sammy after dismissing Mike Hussey to reduce Australia to 164 for six

Seamer Rampaul almost had a second scalp soon after, only to see skipper Darren Sammy spill Warner at third slip.

Warner and Watson, driving over-pitched deliveries and pulling anything short, dug in for a 39-over stay at the crease before falling in quick succession.

Despite looking comfortable with the pull shot, it proved to be Watson’s downfall as he mis-timed Sammy straight to Narsingh Deonarine at deep square-leg.

After moving to his half-century, Warner cut Shillingford straight to Kieran Powell at point as Australia slipped to 105 for three.

Ricky Ponting eased to 23 but, shortly after passing India’s Rahul Dravid to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, he prodded forward, looping a catch to Sammy at leg-slip off Shillingford, who turned the game in West Indies’ favour.

The spinner removed captain Michael Clarke for 24, caught at short-leg by Adrian Barath, and Mike Hussey edged to Sammy, who held on after diving to his left at slip.

And after Ryan Harris gloved Kemar Roach behind to Carlton Baugh, Australia were struggling on 169 for seven.

But a defiant Wade, using 72 balls to make 22, and Starc, hitting a maximum in his unbeaten 24, ensured there were no further alarms.