Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit his 25th Test century as the West Indies piled-up 449 for nine declared to take a firm grip on the first Test against Australia in Barbados on Sunday.
At stumps on the second day at Kensington Oval, Australia had reached 44 without loss with openers Ed Cowan on 27 and David Warner on 13.
Chanderpaul had batted for 386 minutes for his unbeaten 103, becoming the leading run scorer in Tests at the Kensington Oval, while skipper Darren Sammy thrilled the crowd with a quickfire 41.
In the morning, Australia took the new ball as soon as it became available, but it did not seem to provide any more movement than the old one.
Michael Clarke had a gully and a short backward-point in place to Darren Bravo, and the plan worked when he played a tentative shot to the slower pace of Shane Watson, the ball going straight to Mike Hussey in the gully. Bravo’s slow trudge off the field showed his clear disappointment after his innings of 51 had been brought to an end.
Narsingh Deonarine was playing his first Test for two years, but Australia once again had a clear plan.
They served him up with the odd short ball and their preparation paid off. On 22, he was caught in two minds to a shorter delivery from Ryan Harris and as he turned away, the ball came off the edge and went high to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who took his second catch.
After lunch, Carlton Baugh had moved on to 22 when he started off for an impossible single after Chanderpaul had turned the ball to square-leg.
However, Harris swooped and his direct hit dismissed the West Indies wicketkeeper.
This brought in Sammy and the West Indies captain was intent on attack. He had only been at the crease a few minutes when he smashed Nathan Lyon for three boundaries in four balls. He then ducked into a Watson delivery and needed several minutes of attention.
Next ball, still not fully recovered from the blow, Sammy powered the ball back over Watson’s head for six. Both teams were showing aggression and the next few overs thrilled the crowd as Australia goaded Sammy, who hit back with another four and two more enormous sixes.
In the end, another short of a length ball from Ben Hilfenhaus saw him play uppishly to Cowan at square-leg.
The West Indies skipper had hit 41 off just 36 balls; Chanderpaul only scored 8 in their 53-run partnership.
Chanderpaul survived a close DRS decision on 85, the only one of the innings, when Lyon thought he had trapped him LBW. Two balls later Lyon had his first wicket when skipper Clarke took a sharp catch at first slip, but it was Kemar Roach on 16 that gave the chance.
With Chanderpaul on 95, Fidel Edwards threw away his wicket when he holed out a David Warner long-hop to Mike Hussey.
Fortunately for the Windies veteran, Devendra Bishoo was good enough to put on 28 for the next wicket to allow Chanderpaul to celebrate another century.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely