Hooper's 149 puts Windies in command

Marcus Prior

Zimbabwe reached 112-0 on Saturday at the close on the third day of the first Test as they embarked on the daunting task of scoring 404 to avoid an innings defeat by the West Indies.

The tourists had declared on 559 for six after Carl Hooper made 149 to complete his first Test century since 1998 and his first as captain of the West Indies.

At stumps, Zimbabwe's Alistair Campbell was on 58 and Dion Ebrahim 51 with the wicket continuing to favour the batsmen.

It was the first century opening partnership for the first wicket for Zimbabwe for over three years but salvation still looked some way off.

West Indies's big total was built on a magnificent 175 on Friday by opener Chris Gayle as Hooper's 10th Test century rubbed salt in the wounds.

The captain stroked the ball to all corners of the ground before he falling eventually to the tireless medium pace of Bryan Strang, superbly caught off a thin edge by 18-year-old debutant wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu.

Zimbabwe also picked up the wicket of Marlon Samuels, bowled around his legs for 42 by left-arm spinner Raymond Price. He struck six boundaries and was dismissed just as he looked set for a big score.

EARLY ESCAPE

The West Indies had resumed on 393 for three and Hooper had an early escape on 68 as he drove a wide delivery from Strang firmly to Heath Streak at short extra cover but Streak was only able to parry a stinging chance.

It was to cost dear as Hooper made the most of his good fortune, driving Strang sweetly back over his head for six as he approached his hundred before moving to the century with a single off Price.

Needing 404 to make the tourists bat again, Ebrahim passed his maiden Test half-century half an hour before the close and was positive from the start.

The opener proved particularly strong through the leg side, although he was lucky to escape on 40 when Shivnarine Chanderpaul put down a routine chance at midwicket off Hooper.

Campbell took a little longer to get going, but after striking Colin Stuart for three boundaries in one over, he began to blossom.

Mail Cricket Editor