He is energetic, flamboyant, cocky, plays hook shots in the air, cover drives on the up and kisses his helmet when he reaches the magical century. He is Michael Slater and he is absolutely in the form of his life.

According to the textbook, 'Slats' is not your stereotypical opening batsman, but what the heck, is he good for cricket or what?

Today he scored his fifth century in nine Test matches; an awesome achievement considering it was not that long ago that he was in Test cricket wilderness playing Sheffield Shield cricket for NSW. During his innings of 106 he drove, cut and pulled with the fierceness of an angry hurricane. He is always exciting to watch and today was no exception.

Considering he was playing Ambrose, Walsh and co, on a pretty dodgy Test match pitch, this must be one of his greatest knocks. Having 'Slats' batting like this, it is no wonder we have had such tremendous success over the last few years. When a player scores so quickly, the team is in a perfect position to convert games into victories. It allows the bowlers ample time to take 20 wickets for the match to set up regular success.

As it is in this Test, we now have two days to bowl out the beleaguered West Indies batting line-up. This is a perfect situation for Steve Waugh and the bowlers. With the pitch looking as though it will keep low and turn tomorrow, we are in a sensational position to take the first Test of this series.

The talk in the changeroom was about 'Tugga' scoring a duck in this second innings. Mark Taylor scored a 'pair' in his first Test as Australian captain in Karachi, Pakistan, so 'Tugg' feels that his 14 runs for the match are at least a little better than 'Tubby's' first up effort. He figures that if he can have as much success as Australia as Mark Taylor did, then he will be happy to take a duck or two every now and then.

The atmosphere in the team is unbelievable, with high expectation surrounding day four tomorrow.

From Trinidad, JL