Smith powers Aussie chase after Windies charge stalls

By: Murray Wenzel Time published 2024-01-27 at 10:59 PM (GMT +11:00)

Australia found a way through West Indies' batting order then set about negotiating a tricky fourth-innings chase in a fluctuating second Test at the Gabba.

STEVE SMITH of Australia celebrates after reaching his double century of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground.
STEVE SMITH of Australia celebrates after reaching his double century of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES, Second Frank Worrell Trophy Test, Gabba, day three.

SCORE: West Indies (311 and 193), Australia (9d-289 and 2-60). Australia need 156 runs to win with eight wickets in hand.

SUMMARY: The tourists were poised to bat into a commanding position but were unable to pull away, a Shamar Joseph toe-crusher injuring the quick and setting up a 216-run chase for Australia. Steve Smith batted positively but it wasn't easy going under lights as they lost two wickets while nudging within 156 of victory.

PLAYER OF THE MOMENT: Steve Smith can end the chat around his experimental promotion to the top of the order and notch a much-desired score of note, if he's able to power Australia to the target on Sunday.

STAT OF THE DAY: 56. The number of Test catches for Steve Smith off Nathan Lyon's bowling, moving into second all-time behind only Muttiah Muralitharan and Mahela Jayawardene (77).

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Backhand style; a bit of brilliance can change the game one way or the other and Hodge, he can't believe it," Mark Waugh on Fox Cricket after Travis Head's reflex run-out from short leg to dismiss Kavem Hodge.