Steve Smith century puts Australia in front on day one of second Test

Photo: Steve Smith celebrates his century for Australia against the West Indies on day one of the second Test at Sabina Park. Smith ended the day on 135 not out as Australia finished on 258/4.

Steve Smith put Australia in charge on day one of the second Test match against the West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica today when he scored a polished 135*, his fifth hundred in six Test matches, to lead his team to 258/ 4 at the close of play.

West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin won the toss and had no hesitation to invite the visitors to have first knock. The morning began rather sadly for the Caribbean team when they had to do without three of their much needed contributors from the first Test in Dominica. Devendra Bishoo, Marlon Samuels and Shanon Gabriel all had to sit out the match because on various injuries.

However, with the injuries it made way for Rajendra Chandrika to make his debut, while Veersammy Permaul and Kemar Roach were the other replacements. The toss was a very important one for both teams. Jerome Taylor bowled a marvelous spell in the first session that saw him claiming two wickets from his six overs without giving away a single run.

He removed both openers in the first five overs, nicking the edge of David Warner’s bat with the third ball of the day and before a run had been scored. He then had Shaun Marsh trapped leg before to have the visitors reeling at 16/2 and vindicating the decision of his captain to insert the tourists.

The Caribbean team who are aiming to level the two match series could have had Captain Michael Clarke caught and bowled but Kemar Roach over-stepped to give the Australian skipper a life.

The Australians were looking very comfortable after seeing off Taylor, with Smith and Clarke playing their game and attacking the West Indians bowlers. After lunch it was no different but Clarke was sent back to the pavilion for an entertaining 47 when Jason Holder had him caught behind by Ramdin at 134/3.

The Australians did not give away another wicket in the second session and both Steve Smith and Adam Voges were taking control of the game. Steve Smith brought up his century after tea and right after Adam Voges become Jerome Taylor third victim caught behind by wicket-keeper Ramdin.

Kraigg Brathwaite came close to taking his second Test match wicket, but Darren Bravo put down a simple catch at slip off the centurion Smith. Shane Watson and Smith put on another partnership with both Aussie batsmen looking comfortable at the crease.

Australia are in a good position at the end of the day and will look to come tomorrow an extend their lead , while West Indies and Darren Bravo will have nightmares over that drop catch off Steve Smith late in the the day. The bright spark for the West Indies was Taylor who finished with 3/18 from 15 overs. They will need him to report in the same form on day two if the game is not to slip away quickly.