Article:Ponting Happy With Stalemate

The Second test had a lot more than what it seemed. Australia took on the West Indies hoping to extend their 1-0 lead in the Three match series. Australia batted first and with the help of Simon Katich(113) and Michael Clarke(110) put on a huge 479 in the first innings. The West Indies started of their innings extremely well and were sitting comfortably at 315/4 before Brett Lee was introduced back into the attack to skittle out the tail leaving the Windies 127 runs behind. The stand out performance for the home team was their Mr. dependable Chanderpaul who racked up yet another unbeaten 107. Lee destroyed the tail by taking 5 quick wickets. Australia came out for the second innings looking to extend their lead and put pressure on the West Indians. They declared their innings at 244/6 leaving the West Indians a mammoth 371 for victory. Batting on the last day is always tricky on any wicket and as play started it looked as though the Aussies would run away with it after picking up two early wickets but Sarwan(128) and Chanderpaul(77) had other ideas and batted slowly and paiently to save the test. It was no surprise that Shivnarine Chanderpaul was adjudged man of the match for his heroic knocks in both innings. West Indies will now have to win the third and final test if they are to square the series.