Steve Waugh has taken to the Australian captaincy as an expectant woman takes to motherhood. While he may have had a few initial nerves, he is now running the show as though he was born for the job. Anyone who thought his outstanding batting may suffer when he took over as captain, would have had all their doubts eliminated today, as he scored another typically tough Test match century.

Like deja vu, 'Tugga' and 'Junior' today continued their love affair with Sabina Park. Four years ago it was the brother's partnership which proved instrumental in our historic fourth Test victory and this afternoon it was their combined effort which may be the catalyst for another Test victory. If not for a ball that ran straight along the ground, I am sure 'Junior' would have also finished the day with a ton to his name. He was at his effortless best. He makes the game look so easy it is almost sickening.

Where Mark is known for his elegance, Steve was at his most fierce best. He hits the ball so hard you can almost hear the red leather projectile crying for mercy as it leaves the bowler's hand. He is a natural leader who is feeling pretty happy with life after his innings, and the last hour of play. Glenn and Jason continued their first Test form with inspired spells of fast bowling.

Standing at short leg this afternoon, I started thinking that this is what it must have been like when the West Indies were at their dominant best. The only difference is that they had four bowlers, bowling at express, aggressive pace. 'Pigeon' and 'Dizzy' both bowled like the wind, giving the West Indian batsmen little opportunity to find the form that the their beloved fans are craving for.

On another bowler-friendly pitch, that is sure to deteriorate over the next few days, our moderate first innings total of 256 could turn out to be a very competitive one. Fielding today was great fun. When you're on top, with four world-class bowlers to call on, cricket is a blast. All I need now is a few runs from my own bat and things couldn't be better. I am sure they are just around the corner.

If we can dismiss Brian Lara early tomorrow I think we could be in for another very fruitful day.

From Jamaica, JL