West Indies lead by 128 after Aussies snare two wickets

Nathan Lyon (centre) picked up the wicket of West Indian batter Kirk McKenzie at the Gabba.

The pink-ball Test at the Gabba was on a knife’s edge at tea on day three after Australia picked up two West Indies wickets in an entertaining opening session.

At the break the tourists were 3-106, an overall lead of 128.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite (16) drove loosely to cover off Cameron Green on the cusp of the first drinks break.

Promising West Indies left-hander Kirk McKenzie (41) was striking the ball beautifully when he was lbw attempting to sweep Nathan Lyon.

Alick Athanaze (28no) was fortunate to still be there after he was dropped by a diving Steve Smith on the cusp of the break at second slip, when the edge appeared to be heading straight for the bread basket of Usman Khawaja at first slip.

Brathwaite and McKenzie had added 50 for the second wicket after resuming at 1-13, as Australia’s bowlers toiled in extreme heat.

McKenzie played an assortment of exquisite drives down the ground and through cover.

He sometimes hit the ball in the air, but when he did it was wide of the fielders and with genuine intent.

The 23-year-old was looking set for a big score, but as has been the case in several of his knocks this series, he got out just when he had the bowlers at his mercy.

In their first innings, West Indies made 311 after electing to bat, before Australia responded with 9-289 declared.

The visitors are seeking to win their first Test in Australia since Brian Lara and Curtly Ambrose spearheaded a 10-wicket triumph in Perth in 1997.