KINGSTON — Nathan Lyon says he still has plenty to learn despite becoming Australia's most prolific off-spinner by removing Kraigg Brathwaite on the second day of the second Test against West Indies here Friday. The 27-year-old's 142nd Test wicket, the first of three he took at the cost of 35 runs, not only helped Australia to a dominant position at Sabina Park but also took him past the career tally of Hugh Trumble. Trumble had held the title of Australia's most effective off-spinner since he retired in 1904 with 141 victims in 32 Tests, then a record haul for any bowler in the nascent international game. His 144 wickets in 41 Tests have cost 35 runs apiece and Lyon accepts that he can still improve his game. “I'm still learning. I feel like I'm learning each time I go out into the nets,” he added. Meanwhile, Australia moved toward another massive victory over West Indies after the host collapsed for the third time in as many innings. After Australia scored 399 in a first innings highlighted by a knock of 199 by Steve Smith, West Indies was left reeling at 143 for eight in reply, 256 runs behind and facing the prospect of having to follow-on. However, the day belonged to Australian No. 3 batsman Smith, who fell one run short of his double century when he was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Jerome Taylor after lunch. The batsman indicated that he got an edge with his bat but, with no hot-spot technology available, the video evidence was inconclusive and the umpire's decision stood. Smith was only the eighth batsman in Test history to be out for 199, and the first since 2008. He has notched five centuries in his past six Tests, and improved his career batting average to more than 55. Though the 26-year-old narrowly failed to become the third Australian to score a double-century at Sabina Park, it was his highest Test score and put his team in a commanding position to sweep the two-Test series, after a nine-wicket win last week. Fast bowler Taylor was easily the pick of the West Indies attack, finishing with career-best figures of 6-47 off 25 impressive overs. The West Indies fielding was also average. They dropped a couple of catches and a missed stumping did not help the cause. The home team then plumbed new depths of misery with an inept batting display as the wickets tumbled quickly, notwithstanding the strong Australian attack. Only Blackwood (51) and Shai Hope (26) made more than 14 runs. — Reuters
