Steven Smith's prolific fifth ton in the last six tests has helped Australia dominate the opening day of the second test against West Indies in Jamaica, scoring 258-4 despite Jerome Taylor's ferocious spell of hostile fast bowling.
Winning the toss, West Indian skipper Dinesh Ramdin elected to bowl first on a track that was very different from the one in Dominica and had some assistance for the bowlers. Australia got off to the worst start possible with David Warner going early in the first over without opening his account.
Shaun Marsh, too, didn't hang around for long as Taylor trapped him plumb in front and Australia were 16/2 at that stage. Meanwhile, Taylor became the only third bowler in the last 14 years to begin a Test with five successive maidens. However, Australian skipper Michael Clarke and Smith came up to rescue the innings and were able to share a 118 run-stand for the third wicket.
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Clarke edged one to Ramdin off Jason Holder when he was on 47, leaving the score at 134-3. Adam Voges came out and was solid at the other end, providing good support to Smith. Both of them made sure that the Australians went for tea just three wickets down.
Smith continued his good work in the final session and soon got to his ninth Test hundred. The pair frustrated the West Indian bowlers before Taylor came back and got the wicket off. Shane Watson and Smith made sure that there were no more hiccups before the end of the day's play.
Australia were 258-4 at stumps, with Smith and Watson on 135 and 20 respectively. Taylor was the only silver lining for the Windies as he bowled with brisk pace and intent but lacked substantial support from the other end.
