Australian captain Steve Waugh scored an unbeaten 98 as the Aussies forced a comeback in the Fourth Test against West Indies today. At the close of play on the first day of the Test, Australia are 295-7 in their first innings but it could have been so different after they slumped to 225-7. However, in front of a crowd of over 70,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Waugh, returning to the Aussie line-up after missing the previous test through injury, showed the way as he held on for 98 and could have made the century only for some clever bowling from his opponents.
At the start of the day, the West Indies won the toss and decided the home side should bat first. It looked to be the right choice when Courtney Walsh took his 491st Test wicket when he removed opener Matthew Hayden for 13, and then four overs later, Nixon McLean removed Hayden's opening partner Michael Slater. At just 47 for two, the home crowd was understandably concerned but the Aussies held out until lunch. After the break, Justin Langer, who had been doing very well for the home side, gave debutant Colin Stuart his first Test wicket. A short time later, Mervyn Dillon removed Mark Waugh. Ricky Ponting kept the home side in touch until he hooked a ball from McLean to square leg. It was up to Waugh to show his teammates the way and going into the second day, he is at 98 with Jason Gillespie unbeaten at 14. Play resumes at 0.00 Irish time.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
