Smith, Green give Australia control on rain-hit Day 3

Steve Smith and Cameron Green helped Australia take control of the second Test in Grenada on a rain-hit third day. The visitors ended the day on 221 for 7, leading West Indies by 254 runs.

Smith, who missed the first Test with a finger injury, made a solid 71 while Green scored 52, his first half-century at No 3. The pair added 93 runs together for the fourth wicket after nightwatchman Nathan Lyon fell for 8, steadying the innings after Australia began the day in a tricky position at 12 for 2. There were multiple rain breaks and only 58.3 overs were bowled.

Smith looked in control for most of his knock, even though he was hit on the injured finger off the very first ball he faced. Green took his time early on but grew more confident as he spent time at the crease and brought up his fifty with a perfect straight drive. But he was bowled by Shamar Joseph off the very next ball while trying to cut one too close to his stumps.

After Tea, West Indies hit back with wickets. Justin Greaves got Smith out lbw and then dismissed Beau Webster cheaply. Travis Head made 39 before he was bowled by Shamar. Alex Carey, the in-form batter, stayed unbeaten on 22 and helped push the lead past 250.

West Indies bowled well in helpful conditions but only in patches, with Greaves, Shamar and Seales taking two wickets each. But the Smith-Green partnership and the useful late runs from Carey and Head have put Australia in a strong position. West Indies will need something special from their batters to chase anything over 250 on this pitch.

Brief Scores:
Australia 286 and 221/7 (Smith 71, Green 52; Greaves 2-22) lead West Indies 253 by 254 runs