GRENADA — The West Indies bowled Australia out for 286 on the opening day of the second Test at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, with wickets tumbling either side of a resilient century stand between Beau Webster and Alex Carey.
Early Collapse Puts Australia on the Back Foot
Australia’s top order crumbled early after being sent in to bat, with the West Indies pace attack exploiting the lively conditions. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends as Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph struck early blows. "We knew there would be some movement early, and the bowlers executed perfectly," Brathwaite said at the close of play.
By the first drinks break, Australia were reeling at 54/4, with key wickets including:
- Steve Smith (12) caught behind off Roach
- Marnus Labuschagne (8) trapped lbw by Joseph
- Travis Head (5) edging a sharp delivery from Shamar Joseph
Webster and Carey Steady the Ship
Beau Webster, playing just his second Test, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey combined for a crucial 112-run partnership to rescue Australia from disaster. Webster, initially cautious, grew in confidence, driving elegantly through the covers, while Carey played aggressively, targeting the spinners. "They bowled well early, but we backed our game plans and fought back," Carey remarked after his 67-run knock.
West Indies Fight Back After Lunch
The hosts broke the partnership shortly after lunch when Webster (58) edged a turning delivery from off-spinner Roston Chase to slip. From there, the West Indies maintained pressure, with Chase and Gudakesh Motie sharing five wickets between them. Mitchell Starc’s late cameo of 28 provided some lower-order resistance, but Australia were eventually bowled out in the final session.
Bowling Efforts Highlight West Indies’ Discipline
The West Indies attack shared the spoils, with Roach (3/52), Joseph (2/48), Chase (2/64), and Motie (2/71) all contributing. Brathwaite praised his bowlers’ consistency: "We stuck to our plans, built pressure, and didn’t let them get away." The disciplined line and length forced Australia into errors, with only Webster and Carey passing 30.
Australia’s Missed Opportunities
Despite the recovery, Australia will rue their top-order collapse, which left them vulnerable. Coach Andrew McDonald admitted, "We didn’t adapt quickly enough to the conditions, and that cost us." With the pitch expected to deteriorate, Australia’s bowlers face a tough task to restrict the West Indies’ reply.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
The West Indies will begin their innings on Day Two, aiming to build a substantial lead. Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul will look to negotiate Australia’s pace attack, while Nathan Lyon’s spin could prove pivotal as the match progresses. With the series level at 0-0 after a rain-affected first Test, both teams are eager to seize control early.
As stumps were drawn, the West Indies held the advantage, but with three days remaining, the contest remains finely poised. "It’s a good start, but we have to bat well tomorrow," Brathwaite cautioned, aware that the match could still swing either way.