Johnson leads Windies to big total

BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) –

Johnson Charles of the West Indies hits a shot against Australia during their international T20 match at the Gabba ground in Brisbane on February 13, 2013. Opener Johnson Charles scored a blistering 57 runs off just 35 balls to lead the West Indies to an imposing 191 for six in their T20 international against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Opener Johnson Charles scored a blistering 57 runs off just 35 balls to lead the West Indies to an imposing 191 for six in their T20 international against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Charles took control after fellow opener Chris Gayle (8) failed once again, hitting seven fours and a six to dominate the Australians, who went into the match with five fast bowlers and no spin option.

Left armer James Faulkner was the pick of the attack, with 3-28 from his four overs, but the other four seamers were all expensive on a flat batting track.

Gayle, who was out of form in the five one-day internationals, was given a life in the first over when Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin spilled a simple chance.

He looked to take full advantage as he blasted Josh Hazlewood for six over cover in the next over.

However, Gayle tried to hit a second six on the next ball and was spectacularly caught in the deep by Nathan Coulter-Nile, who ran backwards before thrusting his left hand over his head and somehow holding on as he crashed to the ground.

Any thoughts Australia had of keeping the West Indies under control were soon ended by a brilliant partnership from Charles and Darren Bravo, who added 88 in quick time before Johnson played on to Coulter-Nile.

Bravo followed soon after when he was run out for 32 following a dreadful mix up with Kieron Pollard which left both batsmen stranded at the non-striker’s end.

Pollard was looking dangerous until he miscued a drive off Faulkner and holed out to Sean Marsh at long on, with Darren Bravo (13) clean bowled two balls later.

But Darren Sammy (20) and Andre Russell (23 not out) took the Australian attack apart towards the end, smashing 35 runs off the last two overs.