Smith shines as Aussies take control

Steve Smith is patiently closing in on yet another Test hundred as Australia take control in the second Test against the West Indies in Jamaica.

After being sent in by Windies captain Denesh Ramdin, the Australians recovered from being 2-16 early in the day to be 3-170 at tea on day one at Sabina Park.

Smith, unbeaten on 86 at the break, is just 14 runs away from his ninth Test century.

Adam Voges is alongside Smith on 18no, in his second Test innings after an unbeaten 130 on debut in last week’s first Test in Dominica.

Windies quick Jerome Taylor (2-10) instantly repaid Ramdin’s decision to bowl first with a superb opening spell.

Taylor enjoyed five straight maidens from the Michael Holding End, removing openers David Warner (0) and Shaun Marsh (11) to leave Australia reeling.

That start nearly became even better for the hosts when Michael Clarke was caught and bowled by Kemar Roach (0-52) for three with the score on 23.

A replay showed Roach had overstepped however and Clarke was called back from the boundary.

The Australian captain made the most of the reprieve, scoring 47 in a 118-run third-wicket stand with Smith – the fourth century partnership for the NSW pair in Tests.

The partnership was also given time to grow in the surprising absence of Taylor, who would only return from his five-over opening spell to deliver the penultimate over before lunch.

After the break the pair appeared to be cruising as the pitch flattened out before Clarke edged a wide delivery by Jason Holder (1-31) to Ramdin.

The Windies suffered a triple blow before the game with three players ruled out of the Test.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who claimed six wickets in the first Test, was replaced by left-armer Veerasammy Permaul (0-57).

Opener Rajendra Chandrika was given his Test debut with veteran batsman Marlon Samuels ruled out due to illness, while Roach replaced Shannon Gabriel who was also too unwell to play.

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