THREE days in and the picture is clear for Australia if it is to get the win in its second test against the West Indies at the Gabba.

Following the conclusion of day three in the day-night test, the Aussies will need 156 more runs, and currently hold eight wickets in hand, after Steve Smith and Cameron Green held on late in proceedings under lights.

The third day opened with the West Indies resuming at 1/13, and with the heat causing some issues for Australia’s bowling attack, a few deliveries were over-pitched and put away by Kirk McKenzie.

After some mistakes in the field, the Aussies finally started to churn through the Windies batting order, thanks to some impressive catching and a remarkable bit of fielding from Travis Head.

Kavem Hodge played a Nathan Lyon delivery defensively, and the ball raced towards Head at short leg. Although he did not catch it, Head immediately gathered the ball and flicked it back towards the stumps, and Hodge was caught out of his crease and dismissed.

Impressive West Indies rookie Shemar Joseph was struck on the toe by a Mitch Starc delivery and was forced to retire hurt, with the visitors finishing all out at 193.

The Aussies looked strong to start the fourth innings of the match, with Smith much more comfortable facing the new ball. Fellow opener Usman Khawaja fell victim to a feather of an edge and headed back to the pavilion with just 10 runs to his name.

Things went from bad to worse for Australia when Marnus Labuschagne nicked one off to third slip to cap off a disappointing series from the number three.

Green came in and steadied the ship with Smith, although the former was given a scare when trapped on his pads late in the day. The Windies reviewed it, but DRS showed the ball going over the stumps, giving Green a second chance.

With 156 runs required and eight wickets in hand, day four will have plenty of action.

SCORECARD

STUMPS, DAY THREE

TOSS: West Indies won & elected to bat.

1ST INNINGS: West Indies 311
Joshua Da Silva 79 (157), Kavem Hodge 71 (194), Kevin Sinclair 50 (98)
Mitchell Starc 4-82 (24), Josh Hazlewood 2-38 (20), Nathan Lyon 2-81 (28)

2ND INNINGS: Australia 9d/289
Usman Khawaja 75 (131), Alex Carey 65 (49), Pat Cummins 64* (73)
Alzarri Joseph 4-84 (14), Kemar Roach 3-47 (11), Kevin Sinclair 1-53 (8)

3RD INNINGS: West Indies 193
Kirk McKenzie 41 (50), Alick Athanaze 35 (72), Justin Greaves 33 (60)
Josh Hazlewood 3/23 (14), Nathan Lyon 3/42 (22), Cameron Green 1/37 (10)

4TH INNINGS: Australia 2/60
Steve Smith 33* (56), Usman Khawaja 10 (17), Cameron Green 9 (31)
Alzarri Joseph 1/19 (6), Justin Greaves 1/23 (7)