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Superb Gayle puts Windies in control
Cricket, 11:16, December 7, 2009 ,
Chris Gayle's 11th Test century has given the West Indies a chance of victory over Australia on the final day as they lead by 296 runs.
The Windies skipper scored a superb unbeaten 155 out of 284-8 on day four, to set up an intriguing final day with both sides in with a real chance of victory.
The tourists began the day on 23-0 but soon lost Adrian Barath for 17 and Ramnaresh Sarwan for seven, but Gayle continued at the other end mixing aggression with unusually resolute defence.
He found a willing ally in Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made just 27 but spent 88 deliveries at the crease to support his captain, and the pair added 72 for the third wicket.
Brendan Nash was his usual obdurate self with 24 from 70 balls, while first-innings hero Dwayne Bravo hung around for 54 deliveries for his 22 runs.
But the day belonged to Gayle, who has often underperformed at Test level and reserved his best for the 50 and 20-over versions of the game, with his innings containing 16 fours and one six in Adelaide.
Mitchell Johnson returned the best figures of 4-85, while Doug Bollinger took 2-36 as the Aussies stuck to their task in the face of Gayle's magnificent knock.
With two wickets remaining, Gayle will look for quick runs in the opening session on Tuesday to give his side a chance to take the 10 wickets they need to level the series Down Under.