Katich piles on the runs as Australia close in on victory

Australia increased their lead to 474 runs on Sunday before declaring their second innings in the third and final Test against the West Indies.

Australia increased their lead to 474 runs on Sunday before declaring their second innings in the third and final Test against the West Indies.

Left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn took two early wickets for the hosts but Australia piled on the runs and remained in control going into lunch on day four at Kensington Oval. Australia, 330 for three overnight, went to the break on 439-5 before the declaration was announced.

Simon Katich, resuming on 148, was dismissed for 157 and Andrew Symonds fell for two — both to Benn, who finished with figures of 3 for 54.

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Katich batted 482 minutes and faced 332 balls before driving a catch to short extra cover. He struck 14 fours in his huge innings. Symonds went in the next over after the powerful right-hander lofted to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at extra cover.

But Michael Clarke (48 not out) and Brad Haddin (46 not out) ensured there would be no collapse with an unbroken partnership of 79 in just under two hours. Clarke lashed six boundaries off 107 balls while Haddin cracked five fours and a six off 83 deliveries.

Haddin survived a difficult chance on two. He then carted Benn for three boundaries in one over and added a six over long on as he grew in confidence. Australia scored 251 in its first innings before dismissing West Indies for 216.

Brief scores (at lunch): Australia 251 and 439 for 5 decl(P Jaques 108, S Katich 157; S Benn 3/154); West Indies 216