KINGSTON — Bowlers took center stage on day two of the day-night Test between West Indies and Australia in Kingston, with 15 wickets tumbling as the visitors built a commanding 181-run lead with four second-innings wickets remaining.
Australia's Bowlers Strike Early
After resuming at 8/1, West Indies' batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from Australia's pace attack. Josh Hazlewood (3/28) and Mitchell Starc (2/45) exploited the pink ball's movement under lights, reducing the hosts to 65/5 by lunch. "The ball was swinging consistently, and we knew we had to capitalize," Hazlewood said post-match.
Key Moments of the First Innings
West Indies' resistance came from Kavem Hodge (38) and Joshua Da Silva (25), who added 49 runs before Nathan Lyon (2/81) broke the partnership. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 168, trailing by 104 runs. Notable performances:
- Hazlewood's triple-strike in the morning session
- Lyon's crucial middle-over breakthroughs
- West Indies losing 5/23 in a dramatic collapse
Australia's Second Innings Stumbles
Despite the healthy lead, Australia's top order faltered against Alzarri Joseph (3/39) and Kemar Roach (2/32). Usman Khawaja (45) and Travis Head (33) steadied the innings before late wickets gave West Indies hope. "We're still in this game if we can knock them over early tomorrow," Joseph told reporters.
Day Two Scorecard Summary
Australia: 272 (1st innings) & 161/6 (2nd innings)
West Indies: 168 (1st innings)
Lead: 181 runs
Turning Points and Analysis
The day's pivotal moment came when Hazlewood removed Kraigg Brathwaite and Kirk McKenzie in consecutive overs. Former West Indies captain Brian Lara noted on commentary: "Australia's discipline with the ball was exceptional - they gave nothing away."
What to Expect on Day Three
With Australia looking to extend their lead beyond 200 and West Indies needing quick wickets, the morning session promises high drama. The pitch is showing increasing variable bounce, which could favor both seamers and Lyon as the match progresses.
Cricket statisticians noted this was the most wickets (15) to fall in a day of Test cricket in Kingston since 2008. The record for this venue remains 17 wickets in a single day, set during the 1998 England tour.
Player Reactions
West Indies coach Andre Coley admitted: "We needed to show more application against the new ball. There were too many loose shots at crucial moments." Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his bowlers: "To bowl them out for under 200 on this surface was a fantastic effort."
As stumps were drawn with Alex Carey (11*) and Mitchell Starc (8*) at the crease, both teams know the first session on day three could decide the match's outcome. With the pink ball still offering movement and the pitch deteriorating, another bowler-dominated day appears likely in this intriguing Test match.