GRENADA — Australia secured a dominant 133-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Grenada’s National Cricket Stadium, clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series. The win underscored Australia’s continued dominance in Test cricket, with standout performances from both bat and ball.
The match, played on a pitch offering variable bounce, saw Australia post a competitive first-innings total of 283, thanks largely to a gritty 75 from Marnus Labuschagne. In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 257, with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon sharing seven wickets between them. Australia then extended their lead with a second-innings declaration at 265/6, setting the hosts a daunting target of 324.
Australia’s Batting Resilience
Labuschagne’s knock in the first innings was pivotal, as he weathered a hostile spell from West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph. "It wasn’t easy out there—the ball was doing a bit, and their bowlers were relentless," Labuschagne said post-match. His partnership with Travis Head (45) steadied Australia after early wickets.
Key contributions in the second innings came from:
- Steve Smith (58), who looked in sublime touch
- Cameron Green (42*), providing late impetus
- Alex Carey (38), ensuring Australia’s lead crossed 300
West Indies’ Struggles Continue
The West Indies’ batting frailties were exposed once again, with only Jermaine Blackwood (79) and Joshua Da Silva (55) offering significant resistance. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite lamented, "We had moments, but we didn’t capitalize. Australia’s bowlers were just too disciplined."
Nathan Lyon’s 5/80 in the second innings was particularly decisive, exploiting the rough outside the right-handers’ off-stump. Starc, meanwhile, consistently breached the 145kph mark, finishing with match figures of 6/94.
Turning Point: Lyon’s Post-Lunch Spell
The session after lunch on Day 4 proved fatal for the West Indies. Lyon removed Blackwood and Kyle Mayers in quick succession, triggering a collapse from 171/3 to 190 all out. "That spell broke the game open," said Australian captain Pat Cummins.
Series Implications
With the series already won, Australia will look to experiment in the third Test, potentially giving opportunities to fringe players like Scott Boland. The West Indies, meanwhile, face questions about their Test future, having now lost six of their last seven matches.
Cummins praised his team’s adaptability: "Different guys stood up at different times. That’s what you need in these conditions."
Conclusion
Australia’s clinical performance reaffirmed their status as the world’s top-ranked Test side. For the West Indies, the search for consistency continues. The third Test begins in Trinidad on June 8, with the hosts playing for pride and Australia eyeing a clean sweep.