Warner ton lights up rain-hit draw

David Warner scored the fastest Test century at the Sydney Cricket Ground but it was academic as Australia and West Indies were forced to settle for a rain-affected draw.

The third Test was always likely to end in stalemate after only 86.2 overs were possible in the opening four days.

But Warner at least gave the SCG crowd something to cheer after days three and four were completely washed out, hitting his 16th Test century from just 82 balls.

The opener was 122 not out when Steven Smith‘s declaration with Australia 176 for two in response to West Indies’ 330 signalled the end of the match and series, which the hosts won 2-0.

After the tourists finally resumed their first innings on 248 for seven, Denesh Ramdin reached fifty before becoming Steve O’Keefe’s second Test victim when he flashed hard and saw Smith take a sharp catch.

David Warner lit up the final day of the rain-affected New Year Test with a thrilling century which rounded off a good summer for Australia

Fellow spinner Nathan Lyon had Kemar Roach caught at bat pad in the next over and O’Keefe wrapped up the West Indies innings with a flatter delivery which Jerome Taylor slashed to point.

Australia began their innings after lunch and Warner signalled his intent by smashing Taylor’s first two balls for four.

The 29-year-old had already reached 74 when opening partner Joe Burns departed for 26 after lofting West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican to mid-on.

Warner was temporarily halted by a couple of showers but was not to be denied his fourth ton of the Australian summer.

Mitchell Marsh gave Warrican his second wicket when he edged to slip and that was the last meaningful action as the match drifted towards a draw.


Source: ECB

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