An unbroken stand of 79 for the sixth wicket between Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin helped Australia to extend their lead to 474 before lunch in the third and final Test against West Indies on Sunday.
At the interval, Australia, leading by 35 runs from the first innings, reached 439 for five in their second innings with Clarke not out on 48 and Haddin not out on 45 on the fourth day of the Test at Kensington Oval.
Haddin joined Clarke, after Australia lost the wickets of Simon Katich and Andrew Symonds to left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn inside the first hour to leave the visitors on 360 for five.
Australia suffered a setback to their plans for free scoring in the morning period, after they continued from their overnight total of 335 for three.
Katich was caught at cover for 157 playing a loose drive outside the off-stump to bring his marathon eight-hour innings to an end.
Andrew Symonds has been a thorn in the West Indies' side throughout the series, but Benn poached him in his next over, when he had him caught at cover for two also trying a loose drive.
But Clarke and Haddin batted purposefully to consolidate Australia's position and keep West Indies in the field. Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0, after they won the opening Test at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston by 95 runs.
The second Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in the Antigua village of North Sound was drawn. As a result, the Aussies have already retained the Frank Worrell Trophy.
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