In terms of cricket achievement Stephen Waugh is about as consistent as the rising sun. The scary thing is that he has outperformed so many times in the last few years that you almost take for granted his awesome achievements on the cricket field. Last night in the team meeting it was very apparent that our captain was very pumped up for this game.

"As far as Test cricket goes it doesn't get any better or bigger than this," he kept saying. "We are one-all in the series, we are playing the West Indies away from home and there will be massive interest all around the world for this match. This is what Test cricket is all about, not many opportunities will come along like this for any of us in our careers. See it as a great challenge and test yourself to the limit. During the last Test in Jamaica we didn't have the stomach for the challenge in the second innings. Let us all see if we have the stomach to grasp this challenge in the next five days."

Our captain was really fired up for today and you couldn't half tell by the way he went about his business. When he strode to the crease we were in trouble at 3 for 36. Batting with the captain was a fantastic experience. There is no tougher competitor in the game and after seeing off Ambrose and Walsh he went about his business with the brutality and mastery of samurai warrior.

Taking into account our poor first hour we finished the day in excellent style. Our basic game plan revolves around partnerships, and the two hundred partnerships today have ensured that the good guys are in a fantastic position at stumps on day one. When you talk about grasping opportunities there is no doubt that Ricky Ponting has done just that today. Unfortunately 'Blewy' was ruled out last night with a thumb injury sustained at training before the match. Having played little cricket on the tour 'Punt' looked at ease in sharing, what could turn out to be a match-winning partnership, with the skipper.

Travelling back to the hotel tonight I am pleased to report that there was a lot more happy faces among the team. While our confidence and pride was dented in the second Test we are determined to put the score right in this one. There is real electricity about this Test match and with the fantastic Aussie support here in Barbados we are in the mood to make amends.

From Barbados,

Once again saluting Steve Waugh! JL