With West Indies tottering on the brink of defeat at 279 for nine late in the evening in pursuit of 359 for victory, Roach and Tonge combined in an unbroken, 29-run partnership from just 30 balls to once again revive the Caribbean side's hopes of winning the third and final Test at the WACA.
Tonge, playing in his debut Test, was 12 not out off 10 balls while Roach, in only his fifth Test, was unbeaten on 13 from 20 balls, and despite their inexperience have now been charged with the responsibility of eking out the remaining 51 runs needed for what would be a miraculous Windies victory on the final day today.
No such scenario seemed possible after West Indies collapsed in the last session, losing six wickets for 83 runs to slump from 196 for three to 279 for nine in quick time.
three for 67
Erratic left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson inflicted most of the damage, snatching three for 67, while medium pacer Shane Watson claimed two for 24, including the key wicket of captain Chris Gayle cheaply.
But just when Australia seemed poised to grab victory inside four days, Roach and Tonge came together to see out the last five overs of the day, after umpires had extended play by half hour with West Indies on the ropes.
It was the second time in the
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