Cricket has been heating up the Caribbean overnight, and Collingwood and Essendon are deep in preparation for their Anzac Day clash.

Jorge Branco reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Tomorrow marks the biggest home and away clash of the AFL season, with Collingwood and Essendon to resume their fierce Anzac Day rivalry.

The Bombers are intent on maintaining their unbeaten season in front of almost 100,000 fans at the MCG.

Jobe Watson, Essendon captain: “The players are pretty well aware about how significant the day is, not just the footy environment but to the nation. They all really respect the privilege we have to play in it.”

The Dons will be forced to replace injured forward Michael Hurley, while veteran goal sneak Alan Didak is set to be recalled for the Pies.

In the Caribbean overnight, a four wicket haul from Windies tweaker Shane Shillingford put the home side on top after day one of the third test at Windsor Park.

Shillingford ripped through the Australian middle order to restrict the visitors to seven for 212 at stumps.

Jorge Branco, QUT News.