Aust keen to force result at sodden SCG

Steve O'Keefe says there is no doubt Australia have enough time to force a result in the SCG Test, despite there being 11.2 overs on a wet day two.

Australian bowler James Pattinson (L) celebrates

Rain has delayed play for the fifth time on the second day of Australia's Test with West Indies. (AAP)

Rain ruined day two of the SCG Test but Steve O'Keefe is confident there is enough time left for Australia to force a result.

West Indies resumed at 6-207 on Monday and finished 7-248, with near-constant rain hammering Sydney.

There were a total of just 11.2 overs on day two, which was finally abandoned at 4.30pm AEDT.

Steve Smith is likely to need a crafty declaration to conjure a win in the three-Test series finale.

Further rain is predicted for days three, four and five of the dead rubber but O'Keefe's outlook remains sunny.

"Without a doubt," the recalled spinner said, when asked if there was enough time left to force a result.

"There's still a hell of a lot of cricket to go.

"If you can get three days in it's close to 300 overs.

"Spin will play a big role then we might get more overs in towards the back end of the match."

Carlos Brathwaite scored a swashbuckling 69 for the tourists, while James Pattinson clean bowled the allrounder.

Brathwaite's pair of sixes and Pattinson's superb swing were scant reward for the 14,266 fans that hung around as players scurried off and on the field throughout the first two sessions.

O'Keefe suggested former housemate Smith helped keep the side focused during the multiple breaks in play.

"It is annoying. It's hard for the guys to just continually switch off then get back up. I think it's much easier if you're batting," O'Keefe said.

"Support staff get us switched on and Smithy makes sure that with 10 minutes to go we're ready and out there to do a job.

"Very rarely do you play games of cricket where the conditions are perfect."

Denesh Ramdin is on 30 off 103 balls, while Kemar Roach is yet to score.

Play will begin at 10am on Tuesday.

"We always go out there with a positive mindset," Brathwaite said.

"The batters have done well thus far.

"Kemar Roach has been batting very well, Jerome Taylor has a Test hundred.

"Jomel Warrican will never let any of us forget he's averaging 45 in Test cricket only being dismissed once, so the guys in the dressing room can back their talents."

Brathwaite cited Rahul Dravid as his childhood idol and Kevin Pietersen as his more recent inspiration.

"The way he puts bowlers under pressure, the way he stamps his authority on the game," the burly allrounder said.

"If I can have half the career he had, I'll be happy with that."


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Source: AAP



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