Aussies rout Windies for 237

GEORGETOWN: Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored the third fastest hundred in Test history yesterday to keep West Indies’ hopes alive in the first Test against Australia.

Australia, celebrating captain Steve Waugh’s world record 157th Test appearance, were still in control as they reached 120-1 at the close in reply to West Indies’ 237 all out with Justin Langer unbeaten on 55 and Ricky Ponting on 46. But it could have been a lot worse for the home team, who were reduced to 53 for five before Chanderpaul, batting in front of his home crowd, helped them to relative respectability. The West Indies were also boosted by an undefeated, one-legged half-century by Ridley Jacobs, who batted with a runner after straining a hamstring. He was left stranded on 54 as the wickets fell around him on a day when four West Indies players were dismissed for ducks and six failed to make double figures.

Chanderpaul, batting at six and better known for his adhesive rather than attacking qualities, took 70 balls to reach his hundred — 14 more than the quickest Test century, by current West Indies chairman of selectors Viv Richards against England in 1986. Chanderpaul’s seventh Test century, which he completed by hitting leg spinner Stuart MacGill for four and then kissed the ground in celebration, was part of a 131-run sixth-wicket stand with Jacobs. Chanderpaul finally fell LBW to quick bowler Andy Bichel — who ended with three wickets for 55 — as he collected a painful blow on the point of the knee without adding to his 100. Moments later Bichel also dismissed Vasbert Drakes for a duck, wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist scooping up a fine one-handed catch.

But Jacobs, who was unable to keep wicket in the Australia innings and was replaced by Wavell Hinds, carried on to complete an 11th Test half-century off 100 balls, including six fours and one six. The second session was an extraordinary reversal of the first. Struggling on 89 for five at lunch, West Indies then scored 147 at 5.65 runs an over at the cost of three wickets. Waugh, who broke Allan Border’s appearances world record as he took to the field, had spent the morning applauding his bowlers. Australia, seeking to return to the top of the world test standings, soon broke through with wickets in successive overs to reduce their hosts to 10 for two.

Brett Lee trapped debutant Devon Smith lbw for three — television replays suggested an inside edge — for the first wicket of the series and Jason Gillespie bowled Daren Ganga for a three-ball duck. Left-arm wrist spinner Brad Hogg, in the side for the disgraced Shane Warne and part of a five-man attack also including leg spinner Stuart MacGill, was brought on after 12 overs and took two for five in two overs. Australia made a steady start despite losing Hayden when he was run out for ten by Drakes at mid-on with the score on 37. Langer reached a half century off 79 balls, including six fours and one six, while Ricky Ponting was not far behind, reaching 46 by the close off 72 balls.