Fifties from Smith and Green put Australia in command 

Australia 286 & 221/7 (64.3 overs)

West Indies 253

Day 3: Australia lead by 254 runs

A classy innings from Steven Smith and Cameron Green’s first half-century at No. 3 helped put Australia in a commanding position on day three of the second Test against West Indies in Grenada. The day was limited to just 58.3 overs due to three rain interruptions, a slow over rate, and bad light, but the tourists strengthened their grip despite some late breakthroughs that kept the hosts in the contest.

Smith, still dealing with the lingering effects of a dislocated finger sustained in the World Test Championship, produced an elegant knock full of trademark drives. He appeared in fine touch before a surprise lbw dismissal to Justin Greaves for 71 shortly after tea – a DRS review confirming the ball had struck pad first. His departure left the series still waiting for its first century.

Greaves, an unlikely hero for West Indies, kept his side in the game by removing Beau Webster with an edge to slip. After a brief delay due to another shower, Travis Head was bowled by Shamar Joseph, beaten by the angle from around the wicket. That left Alex Carey as a key figure in how much further Australia can stretch their lead.

Earlier, Green and Smith combined for a crucial 93-run stand, navigating the difficult batting conditions, including uneven bounce and a surface that softened as the ball aged. Green brought up his first half-century as a Test No. 3 with a textbook straight drive but was dismissed the very next ball, chopping on in frustration. Despite the disappointment, it was a positive step for the young all-rounder, who earlier had a reprieve in the first innings but failed to capitalise.

Australia had resumed on 12 for 2 following a tricky end to day two, where both openers fell to Jayden Seales. Green and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon made slow but steady progress before a 40-minute rain delay. On resumption, Lyon edged to third slip, where John Campbell – who has had mixed fortunes in the field – eventually held on after a juggle.

Lyon had joked earlier that Smith thought he should retire to allow the star batter to take the crease immediately. Smith did receive a brutal first delivery from Alzarri Joseph that struck the glove of his injured hand but settled in soon after. He adjusted his stance to minimise movement, helping him deal with the inconsistent bounce. He showed his touch with consecutive boundaries off Shamar Joseph – one a straight drive, the other through the covers.

West Indies deployed a bouncer-heavy strategy as the ball softened, sometimes with three men on the leg-side boundary, a deep third and a short leg, but Smith remained largely untroubled. The pitch, while unpredictable in bounce, lacked pace, making the short-ball tactic less threatening.

Smith’s half-century came from 79 deliveries, brought up with a delicate leg glance. He welcomed Greaves into the attack with an authoritative drive down the ground and later dispatched Roston Chase for six over long-on.

After Green’s dismissal, Head played fluently at the start of his innings, racing into the 20s with stylish strokes. He slowed down after tea amid the loss of Smith and Webster, while Carey settled in quickly. Australia’s bowlers will now hope he can guide the side to a lead in excess of 300 – a total that would make the hosts’ chase significantly more difficult.

Despite the rain interruptions and fading light, Australia ended the day firmly in control. West Indies, however, have shown enough resolve to suggest day four could still bring drama. (ESPNcricinfo)