Australia pose with the trophy after beating the West Indies 2-0
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia opener David Warner stole the show on the fifth and final day of the third Test in Sydney as he blasted a spectacular century.
After two consecutive days were washed out due to heavy rain, the fans were delighted to finally see some action on the pitch as the West Indies resumed their innings on 248/7.
West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin was starred early on as he made a gutsy 62, which came off 151 balls and included five boundaries. The West Indies tail-enders managed to put up a bit of a fight before the tourists’ innings came to an end on 330.
Ramdin hit five boundaries during his knock of 62
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe picked up three wickets apiece, while James Pattinson snapped up two and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with one.
Trailing by 330 runs, Australia got off to a superb start as Warner and Joe Burns amassed a 100-run partnership, during which Warner brought up his half-century, before Burns was dismissed by Jomel Warrican for 26.
Warner and Mitchell Marsh kept the runs flowing with a 54-run stand, during which Warner registered his 16th Test century, before Marsh was Warrican’s next victim for 21.
Warner ended up making 122 not out, which came off 103 balls and included 11 boundaries and two sixes, before the match ended as a draw.
Warner celebrates after scoring his 16th Test century
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Warrican was the only bowler to take any wickets.
West Indies captain Jason Holder put on a brave face after his side succumbed to a 2-0 defeat, and said: “We got better as the series went on. I thought Darren Bravo had a decent series for us. We have to learn quickly. Most of us have not played much international cricket. We will have to adapt quicker. Captaincy is hard work but I am trying to enjoy it. Special thanks to Richie Richardson, it is his last match for us. I want to thank him for his contribution as a player as well as a manager.”
Australia skipper Steven Smith was delighted to end the summer on a high, and said: “I think it has been a great summer. Voges summed it up well. We have scored 15 hundreds among six Tests and took 20 wickets four times. We have a great bunch of guys together. We are going to continue to get better and adapt to conditions across the world. India are a very good one-day side and it will be a tough series for us.”
Warner was named Man of the Match, and said: “Not at all (did he know whether he was the fastest Test centurion at the SCG?). Smithy wanted us to be the No.1 Test nation across formats. I spoke to Rogers before, the way I worked my game against England. That has helped me to score runs this summer. It is great to have the family around. Hopefully, we can beat India on home soil. I thank the fans for your patience.”
Australia batsman Adam Voges was named Man of the Series, and said: “Huge honour to be the first one to win the award. It has been an amazing 12 months. It has been great fun since Dominica and I am enjoying it. It has been a great summer and I am just glad to be part of it. I don’t have a choice. I am the old man by a fair bit. Under Steve’s leadership, we have gelled well. Tough to pick the best innings. I enjoyed Hobart but the hundred against NZ at Perth at home has to be my favourite.”