The crucial third Test between Australia and the West Indies is precariously poised after a see-saw third day at Adelaide Oval yesterday. The Windies lifted in the final session to snatch four wickets, leaving Australia with 403 for nine, a slender lead of 12 over the tourists' first innings 391, when rain and bad light forced players off the field. Damien Martyn, unbeaten with 46, and Glenn McGrath (one not out) will resume at the start of the fourth day of the enthralling five-day game.

Leading 2-0 in the five-match series, Australia will clinch the rubber and retain the Frank Worrell Trophy if they win, as well as extend their world record sequence of 12 successive Test wins.

Australia, with 355 for five at tea, appeared to be coasting towards a big first innings lead. But the Windies struck back again to remove Ricky Ponting (92), acting captain Adam Gilchrist (nine), Stuart MacGill (six) and Colin Miller (one).

The vital wicket of Ponting was snared by veteran speedster Courtney Walsh before Nixon McLean trapped Gilchrist and Miller and Mervyn Dillon accounted for MacGill.

Ponting celebrated his appointment as Australian vice-captain by hammering the West Indies' bowling in the second session. Ponting, who will be 26 in two days, had reached 86 not out at tea, and appeared well on track for his eighth century in 37 Tests.

He added only six after the break before Walsh, defying his 38 years, produced a vicious delivery which bounced, moved off the seam and kissed the edge of the bat on the way through to Ridley Jacobs.