Ryan Harris’s maiden Test half-century has given Australia an unexpected chance to push for a win in the clash with the West Indies in Barbados.

Harris scored 68 not out as he made a remarkable 77-run unbroken stand with last man Nathan Lyon (40no) to lift Australia to 9(dec)-406 in their first innings.

Trailing by just 43 runs on the first innings after staring down a deficit over 150 at one point, Clarke will be keen to push for a victory with early wickets in the Windies’ second innings.

Harris came out to the pitch early on day four with Australia struggling at 7-250 after the loss of Michael Hussey (48) and Peter Siddle (0).

He then lost debutant Matthew Wade (28) with the score on 8-285 and with the Windies in the box seat.

But the Queenslander added 121 runs with Ben Hilfenhaus (28) and Lyon – whose unbeaten 40 was also a career best – to allow Michael Clarke to declare.

Kemar Roach (3-72) was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts at Kensington Oval, while Fidel Edwards (2-92) and Darren Sammy (2-62) picked up two wickets each.