Aussies cruise to Windies sweep

Rejuvenated opener Matthew Hayden ensured there would be no last day dramatics, guiding Australia to a seven-wicket win just after lunch on the final afternoon of the Third Test at the Adelaide Oval.

His unbeaten 87 helped overhaul the target of 182 set by the West Indies, completing a 3-0 series sweep and allowing Australia to once again retain the Frank Worrell Trophy. Brad Hodge (23) was the only batsman to fall, as Michael Hussey (30*) and Hayden steered the Aussies home in relative comfort, despite a concerted effort from the tourists.

In a fitting Australian farewell, West Indian genius Brian Lara was named man of the match for his record-breaking 226 in the first innings, a knock which enabled him to pass Allan Border as Test cricket’s greatest run-scorer.

Man of the series was awarded to Hayden after he tallied 445 runs in the three Tests at the phenomenal average of 89, while only the meagre target prevented him from becoming just the third player to record five hundreds in successive Tests.

Resuming on 2-76, the Windies knuckled down in the first hour, restricting the Aussie batsmen and displaying plenty of spirit in the field. Hodge never looked comfortable at the crease and the early introduction of Daren Powell brought about immediate results, as the new Australian no. four scooped a catch to Dwayne Smith at backward point.

Dwayne Bravo’s absence from the bowling crease with a thigh injury, however, limited Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s options and soon enough, Hayden hit out and began to find his normal fluency. Hussey played the support role to perfection and by just after lunch, the Australians had usurped the tourists’ total.

Meanwhile, Test cricket’s greatest wicket-taker, Shane Warne, was found not guilty of dissent at a hearing today. Warne had been reported for an incident in the Third Test on Monday, where an appeal for a catch off his bowling was turned down.

Full scorecard available here.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!