Shane Watson believes quick runs will be the key if Australia wants to force their way back into the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados.
Led by an unbeaten hundred from veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the Windies scored an imposing 9(dec)-449 in their first innings at Kensington Oval.
Chanderpaul batted for most of the day to reach 103no, his 25th Test hundred, as the home team declared in a first innings for the first time since 2009.
By stumps Australian openers David Warner (27no) and Ed Cowan (13no) had raced to 0-44 off 9.5 overs when bad light ended the day.
And Watson says similar intent is needed on the third day to ensure Australia can still play for a win in the first of the three Test series.
“We’re going to have to bat well and score quite quickly as well to keep the game moving forward,” Watson said.
“There’s potential for the wicket to break up in some way, balls might stay a bit lower and maybe there might be a bit of spin if the footmarks dust up a little bit.
“The way these wickets can work if the game peters along for three or four days the result can turn around pretty quickly with a good session.
“We’ve got to put ourselves in that position by batting well.”
Chanderpaul’s obdurate innings was his fifth Test hundred against Australia and was just what the home team wanted after top order players Kirk Edwards (61), Kraigg Brathwaite (57) and Darren Bravo (51) had all scored half-centuries.
Home captain Darren Sammy provided fireworks in his 36-ball innings, clubbing 41 runs including three sixes despite copping a heavy blow to his helmet from a Watson bouncer that left him groggy.
And Chanderpaul was in a bullish mood after the day’s play, saying the big total would allow leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo to attack Australia’s batsmen.
“It depends on how well we bowl,” he told reporters.
“There’s still some rough out there for the spinner.
“If he (Bishoo) pitches in the right areas, there’s some spin in the wicket and things can happen for us.”
Play resumes on Monday at 9.30am (2330 AEST).