Watson helps Aussies take upperhand

WATSON: Australia’s top scorer with 56 runs

PORT OF SPAIN: Shane Watson slammed a patient half-century as Australia reached 208 for five on the first day of the second Test against West Indies on a slow Queen’s Park Oval pitch yesterday.

Mike Hussey, on 26, and Matthew Wade, with 11, were unbeaten at the close, putting on a useful 30-run partnership after both men had survived dropped catches.

Watson was Australia’s top scorer, making a solid 56 in 219 minutes.

“The fields that (West Indies skipper) Darren Sammy set meant it was hard to rotate the strike at times. I was trying to do everything I could to keep the scoreboard moving, but on a wicket like this it does make it difficult,” said Watson.

The day was also a mini triumph for Windies’ offspinner Shane Shillingford who came in for Devendra Bishoo to play his first Test for 18 months after having to undergo remedial work on his action.

He bowled 32 overs, taking two for 56, including opener David Warner in his first over.

Australia, who won the first Test in Barbados by three wickets, decided to play two spinners for the first time in nearly four years, with Michael Beer coming in to partner Nathan Lyon.