Ryan Harris’s maiden Test half-century and a three-wicket spurt in six deliveries from Ben Hilfenhaus has put Australia on top in their clash with the West Indies in Barbados.

Harris scored an unbeaten 68 to lift Australia to 9(dec)-406, just 43 runs in arrears in the first innings, before Hilfenhaus devastated the Windies’ top order to leave them 3-4 at tea on day four at Kensington Oval.

Hilfenhaus bowled Adrian Barath for two and then removed fellow opener Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck just two balls later when the 19-year-old edged a delivery through to Matthew Wade.

The Tasmanian then trapped Windies vice-captain Kirk Edwards LBW for one to send the Australians into tea in a jubilant mood.

The turnaround in this match has been outstanding, with Australia were 8-285 earlier in the day and staring down a deficit in excess of 150.

Harris made 121 with Hilfenhaus (24) and Nathan Lyon (40no) – the last pair adding 77 before Clarke declared to give the tourists a chance of going 1-0 up in the three-Test series.