Weather ruins day four in Trinidad

Cricket365
April 18, 2012

Only 30.4 overs were bowled on day four at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday as the weather dominated procedings.

Kemar Roach claimed three early wickets in Australia's second innings, but the weather ruined the afternoon and evening sessions to leave the tourists on 73 for three and an overall lead of 127.

Resuming on 252 for nine overnight, West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Carlton Baugh became spinner Michael Beer's second wicket as he was out lbw after mistiming his sweep.

That left the tourists, who on Monday rode to 311 all out on the back of half-centuries from Shane Watson and Michael Hussey, with a 54-run lead.

Australia would no doubt have looked to the hard-hitting David Warner to give them a brisk start to their second innings, but Roach made sure it didn't happen.

After Darren Sammy dropped a straightforward nick from Ed Cowan off Fidel Edwards's bowling, Roach continued where he left off in first innings.

He made it seven wickets for the match as he removed Warner and Shane Watson in the space of four balls. First the left-handed Warner was caught in his crease as he edged one to slip and then a couple of balls later Watson was bowled by one that came slightly back into him.

Cowan and Ricky Ponting were the men at the crease when the heavens opened up and forced the umpires to call an early lunch.

Play resumed 10 minutes after the scheduled time and the impressive Roach made another breakthrough as he brought yet another scratchy knock from Cowan to an end. The left-hander was trapped lbw right in front, but decided to refer the decision. It was a wasted review as it was going to hit middle stump.

Only another handful of overs were sent down before it started to rain again. This time it was much heavier and the players were unable to return to the field.

When play resumes on day five, Ponting will start on 32 and Michael Clarke, unbeaten on three, will be his partner.