Buchanan pleased with effort

Despite Brian Lara falling relatively early, West Indies fought superbly © Getty Images

Australia's plans for another rest day were spoiled by West Indies strong lower-order resistance but the team reaction to an unexpected three sessions in the field was surprisingly upbeat. John Buchanan called the side's performance "exceptional" after their opponents started 175 runs behind and were bowled out on the final ball of the day for 334.

The team was eyeing a comfortable innings victory until Dwayne Bravo and Denesh Ramdin shared a 182-run seventh-wicket partnership but Stuart MacGill, who took 2 for 69, was also positive about the bowling effort and said they had not eased off. "I don't think we took it lightly," he said. "We all had respect for them and we didn't take the piss."

Australia need only 78 runs to reclaim the Frank Worrell Trophy on day five and Buchanan, who also supported the out-of-form batsman Michael Clarke, was pleased with the progress. "We now have a small total to chase after all our bowlers toiled exceptionally well," he said. "The day was a good result for both teams."