TRELAWNY (Jamaica), May 17: Stuart MacGill gave evidence that he could pose a serious challenge to the West Indies, when he helped Australia to take control of their three-day tour match against Jamaica XI on the opening day here on Friday.

MacGill was the most successful Australia bowler with four wickets for 79 runs from 21 overs, but he was overshadowed by Carlton Baugh Jr, whose undefeated 111 was the backbone of Jamaica’s first innings total of 297.

The opening pair of Phil Jaques — not out on 44 — and Simon Katich — not out on 35 — safely navigated Australia to 89 without loss when stumps were drawn on the opening day at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.

MacGill is eyeing a return to the Test side following recent wrist surgery, and he would have gained a boost of confidence, after he removed Lorenzo Ingram for 10, Shawn Findlay for six, and Xavier Marshall for 30 in a 12-over spell, as Jamaica declined to 135 for five at lunch.

After the interval however, he and the Australian bowlers had to endure the pyrotechnics from Baugh.

Brad Haddin had a memorable day behind the stumps snaring three catches and effecting two stumpings, but he failed to hold an edge from Baugh, when the batsman was on seven.

Australia paid for this miss, as Baugh ravaged nine fours and a pair of sixes from 112 balls, and added 89 for the ninth wicket with tail-ender Gavin Wallace, after the Jamaicans subsided to 205 for eight. Australia again turned to MacGill, and he made the breakthrough, when he had Wallace caught behind for 22 before Brett Lee brought the innings to a close.—AFP