PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Persistent rain spoiled what could have been an enthralling finish to the second Test between West Indies and Australia yesterday, forcing a stalemate and leaving the hosts with a must-win scenario in the final Test next week.

Set 215 to win after lunch on the final day, West Indies had taken up the challenge and reached 53 for two when bad light and then rain halted play half-hour before the scheduled tea interval.

The downpour continued for the next hour and a half, rendering a result impossible and leaving match officials to abandon the contest at around 3:40 p.m.

West Indies will now have to beat Australia in the final affair in Dominica in order to square the three-Test series.

Earlier, Australia declared at 160 for eight after fast bowler Kemar Roach bowled superbly to take five for 41 and end the match with a 10-wicket match haul.

Resuming at their overnight position of 73 for three, Australia made slow progress in the first session but accelerated after lunch to make a declaration half-hour into the session.

West Indies picked up the gauntlet but Australia grabbed the early initiative as seamer Ben Hilfenhaus struck two telling blows by removing both openers Kieran Powell and Adrian Barath cheaply.

The left-handed Powell was plumb lbw for four to the 10th ball of the innings to one that straightened before the right-handed Barath nicked an outswinger to skipper Michael Clarke at first slip for five, to leave the Windies on 13 for two in the fourth over.

Captain Darren Sammy, promoted to number three, then counter-attacked and was unbeaten on 30 from just 26 balls when the rains came.