The future is Black for Windies

Debutant paceman Marlon Black carried out the instructions from West Indian great Wes Hall to the word on Friday, making a memorable Test debut against Australia in Brisbane.

While his teammates crumbled around him on the second day of the opening Test at the Gabba, Black emerged from the first Test ruins with figures of 4-83, sparking a mini batting collapse by the Aussies.

It was an impressive performance, particularly given the circumstances.

Black was handed his prized Test cap by Hall moments after the West Indies had been skittled for just 82 on Thursday's first day.

Few bowlers have been forced to defend such a low total on debut, but Black lapped up the advice from Hall.

"He just told me to get some wickets, so I tried to do that," Black said.

Black, a strapping 25-year-old tyro, removed Michael Slater (54), nightwatchman Andy Bichel (8) and Justin Langer (3) in an inspired opening spell. He later grabbed the wicket of in-form Ricky Ponting for 20 to finish with 4-83 off 28 overs.

After Black's first match against Western Australia in Perth two weeks ago, word spread that the Trinidad bowler was quick, maybe even as fast as anyone on the international scene. And he could move the ball.

The warnings were realised on Friday when Black dismissed Langer with a delivery which swung back to the left-hander, collecting an inside edge for wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs.

In their second innings, West Indies closed at 25 for two, with first innings topscorer Darren Ganga eight not out and Shivnarine Chanderpaul on seven.

They still trail Australia by 225 runs with three scheduled days to play.

Mail Cricket Editor