Clarke doubles up Windies

Last updated: 2nd June 2008

Michael Clarke Australia celebrating a wicket against West Indies

Clarke: Struck twice before the close on day two

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Second Test Match
Antigua - Day Two
Australia 479-7 dec (S M Katich 113, M J Clarke 110, R T Ponting 65, B Lee 63 no) v West Indies 125-3 (X M Marshall 53)

Michael Clarke followed up a century with the bat by taking two wickets with the ball as Australia maintained their strong grip on the second Test.

West Indies ended day two in Antigua on 125-3 after the Australians had declared at tea with their first-innings total on 479-7.

Skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan was at the crease on 32 not out alongside Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is unbeaten on five, after the hosts suffered two late blows.

Clarke dismissed opener Xavier Marshall, who had made 53 from 69 balls, and Runako Morton in one over having earlier excelled in his primary role in the middle order.

Timely return

Australia's new vice-captain struck 12 fours in his 110, an impressive effort considering it was his first innings on the tour of the Caribbean after he missed the first Test due to the death of his fiancee's father.

He finally fell when an attempted pull off Daren Powell offered a simple catch to mid-wicket having shared stands of 64 with Brad Haddin (33) and 54 with Brett Lee.

After scoring a ton on day one Simon Katich failed to add to his overnight tally of 113, going to a legside catch by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin off the bowling of Jerome Taylor, who finished with figures of 3-95.

Andrew Symonds fell in similar fashion having made 18 from 19 balls and Haddin offered a useful contributon before the lower order had some fun, Lee striking eight fours and a six to score 63 not out.

Declaration

The paceman had put on 65 in quick time with Mitchell Johnson, who needed just 26 deliveries to make 29, when Ricky Ponting decided the time was right to end the innings early.

West Indies made a positive start in reply to such a large total, Marshall - drafted into the team in place of Brenton Parchment - and Devon Smith sharing a partnership of 55.

However, after Smith was dismissed by left-armer Johnson the tourists took control thanks to another excellent contribution from Clarke.

Australia only need a draw at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy having won the opening Test in the three-match series.