Australia defused another potential century from West Indian captain Brian Lara to leave the fourth cricket Test on level terms during the second day in Antigua.

The Windies were dismissed for 240 in their first innings, matching Australia's effort, shortly before the scheduled tea break after Andrew Bichel claimed Lara (68) for the fourth time this series.

Bichel (3-53) had some help because Lara had himself to blame for swatting a catch to Justin Langer at mid-off after three boundaries from the previous four deliveries.

Lara faced 94 deliveries during a fiery innings, clashing with Australian captain Steve Waugh at the end of the first hour on Saturday.

English umpire David Shepherd intervened as Lara raced to 29 from 21 deliveries before beginning a lull by his standards, hitting his next 27 runs from 69 balls on a wicket still providing bounce for the bowlers.

Brett Lee (3-72) claimed two wickets in Saturday's first session to wipe away the Windies' good work from on Friday.

He claimed his final wicket by bowling No.10 batsman Mervyn Dillon (12) but the Windies then squeezed 16 runs from final pair Jermaine Lawson (14) and Omari Banks (13 not out) to level the scores.

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