Captain Cool knew it

Four of Australia’s top five batsmen made at least 23 runs but none made it to 45, leaving all-rounder Ian Harvey to prop up the innings with a dashing 47 not out. “It would have been nice if someone had got 50 or 60 but it doesn’t really matter because we kept the pressure on the West Indian bowlers,†Waugh said. “Harvs sort of bailed us out towards the end but we expect that from the players. They’re good enough to do it so it’s not a great surprise.â€

West Indies coach Roger Harper said the team were still confident of saving the series. “It was a very disappointing result. We bowled well enough but didn’t bat well enough,†he said.

“We’ve played well in patches and, if we can put it together with the bat, then we have a good chance. We’ve been here for three months and it would be nice to beat Australia once before we go home.â€