Labuschagne follows 204 with 104* before Australia declare 497 in front

Lunch Australia 598 for 4 dec and 182 for 2 dec (Labuschagne 104*, Warner 48, Roach 1-30) lead West Indies 283 by 497 runs

Australia declared 497 runs in front after Labuschagne rode some luck to become just the third Australian after Greg Chappell and Doug Walters to score a double-century and century in the same Test. He reached the milestone just before lunch with a glance to the boundary and celebrated by taking off his helmet and raising his arms aloft much to the delight of the sparse crowd.

Labuschagne’s 308 runs in the Test came amid a personal run spree at Optus Stadium after he scored 143 and 50 against New Zealand three years ago in the last Test played at the ground.

He made 5 in the only failure in Australia’s massive first innings. With Australia in such a commanding position, Warner eyed a big score and looked solid in his 71-ball knock before poking a full Chase delivery to short leg.

Starting day four at 29 for 1, there were no obvious signs of aggression initially from Labuschagne and Warner on a pitch with fewer cracks than expected because of the mild weather in recent days.

After receiving medical attention, Labuschagne continued on his merry way and passed 2000 Test runs in Australia in his 31st innings. Only Sir Don Bradman (19 in England and 26 in Australia), and Sir Garfield Sobers (29 in West Indies) have achieved the milestone in a country faster.

It was probably needed earlier in the match, but Joseph summoned a vicious burst during a riveting battle with Labuschagne, who occasionally found himself swaying awkwardly trying to combat the hostile short-pitched bowling.

But Labuschagne, in trademark fashion, pounced on anything loose and notched his half-century with a gorgeous straight drive to the boundary off quick Jayden Seales. He lifted his aggression to reach his ninth Test century just minutes before the lunch break.

With their backs against the wall, after such a listless bowling and fielding effort over the first two days, West Indies’ quicks produced occasional fireworks but breakthroughs were hard to find amid a waiting game over when Australia will declare.