Nathan Lyon produced an inspired evening-session display to put Australia on the verge of a first-innings lead over the West Indies at the close of play on day three in the second Test in Port-of-Spain.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Narsingh Deonarine, with knocks of 94 and 55 respectively, had earlier led the hosts' fightback.
However, after tea the 24-year-old off break bowler claimed 5/15 in 37 deliveries as the Windies collapsed from 230/4 to 252/9 at the close of play.
Australia, who won the first Test, lead by 59 runs.