ADELAIDE, Australia, (CMC):

Sulieman Benn led consistent West Indies bowling and helped them to gain a 12-run, first innings lead over Australia in the second Test yesterday.

The beanpole left-arm spinner finished with five for 155 runs from 53 overs, as Australia, replying to West Indies' first innings total of 451, were dismissed for 439 in the final hour on a compelling third day.

Kemar Roach supported with three for 93 from 25.1 overs, as Shane Watson led the way for Australia with 96, Simon Katich scored 80, Michael Clarke made 71 and Brad Haddin finished 55 not out.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle and fellow opener Adrian Barath then confidently negotiated four overs, carrying West Indies to 23 without loss in their second innings when stumps were drawn to take the overall lead to 35.

Benn, gaining appreciable turn and bounce from the hard, true Adelaide Oval pitch, flourished after Australia continued from their overnight total of 174 without loss.

The old Kensington Oval in Benn's native Barbados twice provided the backdrop for the last time spin bowlers have made such an impact for West Indies.

His marathon effort was rewarded with the first five-wicket haul in a Test from a West Indies spinner since Gayle, bowling his uncomplicated, part-time off-spin, ushered Brian Lara's side to a 276-run victory over Pakistan four years ago at Bridgetown.

Specialist spinner

And he was the first specialist spinner to achieve it since controversial current players' chief, Dinanath Ramnarine, twirling his leg-spin, collected five for 78 from 31.5 overs in a draw against South Africa eight years ago.

Benn made his presence felt from the second ball of the day when he made the long-awaited breakthrough.

He bowled Shane Watson - who was eyeing a maiden Test hundred - without addition to his overnight score, when the opener swung and missed a fast, flat and full-length straight delivery.

193 for two

The morning session continued to favour Benn and West Indies when left-handed opener Simon Katich played tentatively forward and was caught at forward short leg to leave Australia on 193 for two.

West Indies maintained the pressure on the Aussies with Gayle choosing to partner Benn at the very outset before making way for Roach, who was consistently clocked between 144 to 152 mph, and made life uncomfortable for all of the opposition batsmen.

The visitors succeeded in drying the runs up, and even Ricky Ponting, one of the finest batsmen in the World, found it hard to break free.

West Indies 1st Innings 451

Australia 1st Innings

(overnight 174 without loss)