Miller revives Australia's hopes

By Malcolm Conn

ADELAIDE, DEC. 16. Australia wasted the opportunity to rebound against the West Indies after preventing Brian Lara scoring what seemed an inevitable double century during the second day of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Just when it seemed the brilliance of Lara would drag this match away from Australia completely and relight a series which had been dreadfully one-sided, Colin Miller stepped in to revive hope with a marvellous wicket to wicket spell of five for 11 from 8.5 overs.

The West Indies was bowled out for 391 on the flattest of tracks, losing six for 117. Lara went from 136 to 182 and was particularly severe on Stuart MacGill but was wonderfully caught at slip by Mark Waugh to change the complexion of the game.

Then Australia motored to 156 for no loss before losing wickets in disgraceful fashion before yet another late stumps was called with the home side 180 for three in reply.

Michael Slater in particular enjoyed the short square boundaries of Adelaide, taking to the West Indies four-man pace attack on a typically easy Adelaide wicket.

Matthew Hayden too further cemented his place in the side, playing a well organised innings in support of the nimble, bustling Slater.

Then disaster struck three times with inexcusable dismissals for a team which rightly rates itself as the best in the world. First, Slater burnt Hayden again with a terrible runout when the powerfully built Queensland left-hander had every chance of scoring the century which would have ensured his long- term future in the side.

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