2nd Test: Australia lead Windies by 127 runs on Day 4

Port-of-Spain: Fast bowler Kemar Roach claimed 3 for 27 here on Wednesday as the West Indies rebounded from conceding a first innings lead of 54 to reduce Australia to 73 for 3 on a rain-ruined fourth day of the second Test at the Queen's Park Oval.

Australia go into the final day ahead by 127 runs but their progress was stalled by Roach and heavy rain that limited play to just over two hours on the day. The home team, were overnight 252 for 9, but quickly folded for 257 after four deliveries in the morning session. Australia had totaled 311 in their first innings.

Carlton Baugh was trapped leg before wicket for 21 by left-arm spinner Michael Beer, who claimed 2 for 56. Fellow spinner Nathan Lyon took 5 for 68. But Roach, who took five wickets in the first innings, hit back strongly with the scalps of opener David Warner (17) and Shane Watson (0) in his first over.

Warner had begun aggressively by slamming three fours but Roach struck with his second delivery after replacing Fidel Edwards. The left-handed Warner edged a tentative prod to first slip where Darren Bravo pouched a low catch. Three balls later, the West Indies were celebrating again as Watson's off stump was sent cart-wheeling by Roach's inswinger at 26 for 2.

It could have been even better for the Caribbean side but Ed Cowan survived a chance to first slip Darren Sammy off Edwards before he had scored. Cowan was undefeated on 14 when persistent rain sent the players off 45 minutes before the scheduled lunch break at 40 for 2. But Roach snared the left-hander soon after resumption, plumb leg before by a full-length delivery. Cowan struck two fours in 20.

Veteran Ricky Ponting also had a slice of luck when Adrian Barath at short leg could not cling on to a sharp, low catch off Shane Shillingford. Ponting emerged to play some majestic strokes in reaching 32 not out. He and skipper Michael Clarke added 16 unbroken before the skies again opened up 45 minutes after lunch and sent the players scurrying off and caused play to be abandoned for the day.