Cricket: Australia cruise to victory over Windies

HOBART - Australia cruised to a nine-wicket victory in the second test against the West Indies today, allowing the hosts to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-match series.

The Australians raced to their victory target of 78 in just 97 minutes from 26.1 overs before lunch on the fifth and final day at Bellerive Oval.

Opener Mike Hussey struck 31 not out, including the winning runs, from 82 balls to win the man of the match award after making 137 in the first innings, his maiden test century.

Matthew Hayden, who also made a century in the first innings, was the lone batsman to be dismissed, throwing his wicket away for 46 with just one run needed for victory.

Trying to smash a boundary to reach his half-century, Hayden top-edged a half volley from Chris Gayle and gave Devon Smith an easy catch at extra cover.

Captain Ricky Ponting faced three balls without scoring, allowing Hussey to flick a single round his legs off Ramnaresh Sarwan to seal victory.

Australia won the first test in Brisbane a fortnight ago by 379 runs, and the third and final test starts in Adelaide on Friday.

The hosts were always in control of the second test after dismissing the West Indies for 149 on the first day then piling on 406 in reply to lead by 257 on the first innings.

The match had seemed to be heading to an early finish when the West Indies slumped to 140 for six before lunch yesterday, but allrounder Dwayne Bravo and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin stalled Australia's push for victory with a stubborn partnership.

The pair added 182 for the seventh wicket with Bravo making a brilliant 113 and Ramdin 71 to force the match into a fifth day.

Scoreboard:

West Indies
First innings 149
Second innings 334

Australia
First innings 406

Second innings
M Hayden c Smith b Gayle 46
M Hussey not out 31
R Ponting not out 0
Extras (1nb) 1
Total (for 1 wkt, 26.1 overs) 78

- REUTERS

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