Cowan and Ponting put Aussies in control on third day of Test against Windies

Dominica, Apr 26(ANI): Australia remained in full control of the game with both Ed Cowan and Ricky Ponting smashing much-needed half-centuries, but the West Indies still have a slim chance of squaring the series after dismissing Ponting, Michael Clarke and Matthew Wade on the third day of the final Test against the West Indies.

Australia will resume the fourth day on 6-200, attaining an overall lead of 310, after dismissing the Windies for 218 shortly before lunch, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Both Ponting and Cowan were involved in a 87-run stand and survived a testing new-ball spells from Kemar Roach and from spinner Shane Shillingford.

Ponting fell to Roach for the fifth time in his career after scoring a half- century.

Clarke followed three overs later, caught at square leg, pulling Shillingford for 25.

Earlier, Nathan Lyon finished with 4-69 while Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets.

For the West Indies, Shivnarine Chanderpaul top scored with 68, limiting Australia's first-innings lead to 110.

He shared partnerships of 66 and 32 with tail-enders Ravi Rampaul and Roach to push the West Indies beyond the 200 run mark. (ANI)