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Rediff.com  » Sports » West Indies struggle after Johnson double blow

West Indies struggle after Johnson double blow

November 27, 2009 15:15 IST
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-Scorecard: Australia vs West Indies, 1st Test

Mitchell Johnson's double blow left West Indies reeling at 134 for five at close of play on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, on Friday.

With Travis Dowlin (40 from 82 deliveries) and Dinesh Ramdin (22 from 33) still at the crease, Windies still need another 146 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Earlier, Australia declared on 480 for eight in 135 overs after Nathan Hauritz compiled a well-made 50 down the order. Dwayne Bravo was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-118.

West Indies started their innings on a strong note with skipper Chris Gayle finding the gaps nicely. He exuded confidence during his short stint at the crease and along with Adrian Barath took on Ben Hilfenhaus early on. The combine looked ominous and they took 11 runs off Hilfenhaus in one over.

Soon enough, Hilfenhaus got his revenge and West Indies registered their first casualty after a quick opening partnership of 49 runs. Captain Gayle was given leg before wicket, however he was not convinced by the on-field umpire's decision and asked for the referral, but had to walk back to the pavilion after the technological evidence also went against him.

With the wicket of Gayle, the West Indies batting line-up collapsed like nine-pins. In the very next over, opener Adrian Barath joined his captain in the dressing room when he was caught by Shane Watson off Johnson for 15.

Peter Siddle then dealt West Indies a big blow in the form of experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was trapped leg before wicket for 2.

Dwayne Bravo fell in the next over for a two-ball duck, with Watson taking a sharp low catch off Johnson as West Indies slipped to 63 for four.

Former Queensland batsman Brendan Nash back in Brisbane, this time for West Indies, managed just 18 before he was caught behind off all-rounder Watson.

However, Ramdin and Dowlin, the last recognized batting pair, were the only ones to provide some resistance against some disciplined bowling from Australia, Mitchell Johnson (2 for 45) in particular.

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