Half-centuries from Steve Smith and Cameron Green put Australia in control on day three of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.

The tourists, leading 1-0 in the three-match series after a 159-run win in Barbados, ended the day on 221-7 – an overall lead of 254 – with three wickets in hand heading into day four of a low-scoring contest.

Smith made 71, his 43rd Test half-century, in a measured innings that anchored Australia’s recovery after slipping to 28-3 in the morning session. Initially cautious, he grew more fluent in partnerships with Green and Travis Head, but fell shortly after tea when he was trapped lbw by Justin Greaves. His knock came off 119 balls and included seven fours and a six.

The 93-run stand between Smith and Green for the fourth wicket shifted momentum firmly in Australia’s favour.

“It’s a tricky surface – a bit up and down, some seam movement – so I decided to bat on middle and try to be a bit more still to negate lbw,” said Smith. “Then anything loose, try to cash in. You’ve got to put the bad balls away to put pressure back on the bowlers.”

Smith said the state of the pitch and the new ball would play a key role in the final innings.

“We’re in a nice spot. I don’t think the wicket is going to get any better to bat on,” he said. “The new ball will be pretty critical for us, but hopefully we can push the lead up to 300.”

Green, under scrutiny at No 3, responded with a patient 52 off 123 balls. His seventh Test fifty came via a disciplined display that included five boundaries, but he was bowled off the inside edge by Shamar Joseph midway through the afternoon.

Head contributed 39 before also falling to Joseph, beaten by a ball that kept low. The young fast bowler’s relentless pace and accuracy have been a feature of the series.

Alex Carey (26*) once again added useful lower-order runs and will resume on Sunday with captain Pat Cummins.

Earlier, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, edging to John Campbell at second slip. Lyon had protected Smith from facing a tricky final spell the previous evening after Jayden Seales struck twice to leave Australia reeling at 12-2.

Having missed the first Test through injury and fallen cheaply in the first innings of this match, Smith was determined to spend time in the middle – and delivered when his side needed it most.

© Agence France-Presse