Australia build 127-run lead before deluge hits

Australia built up a lead of 127 runs over the West Indies on the fourth day of the second Test before heavy rain swamped the Queen's Park Oval and play was abandoned on Wednesday. Only 30 overs of Australia's second innings - and just 10 after lunch - had been possible before the rain came in the middle of the afternoon. When play was called off, Australia were 73 for three, with Ricky Ponting 32 not out and skipper Michael Clarke on three. Seamer Kemar Roach, who took five wickets in the first innings, had taken all three wickets to fall. "I had my plans, it's a matter of executing," said Roach. "I know where I have a better chance of getting them out now so I'll be working hard in the nets to keep being accurate and consistent. Hopefully I'll keep blasting through the top order." The West Indies had added just four more runs to their overnight 253 for nine before Carlton Baugh missed a sweep shot off spinner Michael Beer that struck him on the pad. Beer's lbw appeal was turned down but Australia successfully reviewed the decision. Baugh had made 21 and West Indies had lost their last six wickets for just 27 runs to be dismissed for 257, meaning they trailed by 54 after the first innings. Fidel Edwards opened the bowling as Australia batted again, but West Indies immediately used spin at the other end, with Shane Shillingford taking the new ball. Edwards, who had bowled with little luck in the first innings, should have made the opening breakthrough. The first delivery of his second over was edged by Ed Cowan and went straight to Darren Sammy at first slip but the captain put it down and neither he nor wicket-keeper Baugh could quite grab the rebound. Roach replaced Edwards and his second delivery moved off the seam and David Warner's edge was held by Darren Bravo at second slip with the opener having made 17 and the total at 26. Shane Watson, who had made 56 in the first innings, then played and missed the next ball as it went between the inside edge and the stumps. Two balls later a similar Roach delivery sent Watson's off-stump reeling. Watson had gone for a duck and Australia were 26 for two. "It was a good sight," said Roach. "I really enjoyed that one. Shane Watson's a great batsman, I rate him a lot and to get him on that wicket, is a good achievement." In the brief afternoon period, Cowan, who had made a dogged 20 off 78 balls, was the third wicket to fall when he fell lbw to Roach despite an Australian review. "Cricket's a contest and he won today," said Cowan. "He's a guy in form, he's got his tail up and he's bowling wicket-taking deliveries. "He's bowling pretty well and someone we really need to blunt out of the game and make someone else take wickets for them." Australia lead the series, having won the opening Test in Barbados by three wickets, and need just a draw in this match to keep the Frank Worrell Trophy they have held for almost two decades.