Perth: West Indian skipper Chris Gayle smashed the fifth fastest century in test cricket to help the tourists finish Day 2 of the third and deciding test against Australia at 214 for 2 off 46 overs.

Gayle took just 70 balls to reach his hundred, bringing it up with a six off Nathan Hauritz. He hit six sixes and nine fours in his 72-ball innings of 102 before falling to a tame dismissal off the bowling of Doug Bollinger. Gayle’s opening partner, Travis Dowlin, provided able support to his skipper, scoring a patient 55 off 116 balls before falling to Mitchell Johnson. The two openers added 136 runs in just 24.1 overs.

Former skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan and Narsingh Deonarine were at the crease at close of play on Day 2, batting on 42 and 10 respectively.

Earlier, Australia declared their first innings at 520 for 7 after wicket-keeper Brad Haddin made a stylish 88. Resuming at the overnight score of 339 for 3, the hosts lost the well set Michael Hussey after he had added just one to his overnight score of 81. He was caught behind the wicket off Ravi Rampaul. His unbeaten partner, Marcus North, meanwhile completed his half century starting on 23 not out.

North put together a quick 89 runs partnership off just 16.5 overs for the sixth wicket with Brad Haddin to put the Aussies in command before he was dismissed for 68, caught and bowled off N Deonarine. Mitchell Johnson then chipped in with a cameo of 35 off 45 balls, which included 3 fours and 1 six.

N Deonarine was the most successful West Indian bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 74.

Match Summary:

End of Day 2, West Indies 2 for 214 (Gayle 102, Dowlin 55) trail Australia 7 for 520 dec by 240 runs

Tagged with: Chris Gayle, Doug Bollinger, Narsingh Deonarine, Nathan Hauritz, Perth, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Travis Dowlin, West Indies

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