Accordingly BBC
Second Test, Grenada (Day 4 of 5)
Australia: 286 & 243
West Indies: 253 & 143
Result: Australia won by 133 runs
Series: Australia lead 2-0 in the three-Test series
Dominant Australia Seal Test Series in Style
Australia completed a commanding 133-run victory over the West Indies on day four of the second Test in Grenada, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. It was another ruthless display by the Australians, who outplayed their hosts with both bat and ball to wrap up the match with a day to spare.
Having already claimed a 159-run victory in the first Test in Barbados, Pat Cummins’ side continued their fine form in the Caribbean, setting West Indies a difficult target of 277 on a bowler-friendly surface. The home team faltered under pressure and were dismissed for just 143 in 34.3 overs.
Day Four Begins with a Quick Cleanup
The fourth day began with Australia resuming their second innings at 222-8. However, West Indies’ pacers Shamar Joseph (4-66) and Alzarri Joseph (2-52) swiftly removed the remaining Australian batters, wrapping up the innings for 243 inside 45 minutes.
Though Australia’s total wasn’t massive, the tricky surface and psychological edge of leading the series gave the tourists a crucial advantage.
West Indies Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 277 for victory, the West Indies began their innings poorly and never truly recovered. Josh Hazlewood set the tone early by trapping John Campbell leg-before for a duck in just the second over.
Mitchell Starc quickly joined the action, dismissing Keacy Carty for 10, while debutant Beau Webster picked up the big wicket of captain Kraigg Brathwaite for seven. At 29-3, the writing was on the wall for the hosts.
Before lunch, Pat Cummins added to West Indies’ woes by removing Brandon King for 14, sending the home team into the break at a precarious 61-4.
Middle Order Resistance Fizzles Out
After the interval, there were brief signs of resistance. Shai Hope (34) and Roston Chase (17) attempted to steady the ship, but both batters were undone by relentless pressure. Hazlewood dismissed Hope, while Starc claimed the wicket of Chase.
Starc wasn’t done yet. He went on to remove Justin Greaves for 2, tightening Australia’s grip on the match.
Though tailenders Shamar Joseph (24) and Alzarri Joseph (13) entertained briefly with some aggressive hitting—smashing five sixes between them—their cameo was short-lived.
Lyon Spins Australia to Victory
Nathan Lyon cleaned up the West Indies tail, finishing with figures of 3-42. His final wicket of Jayden Seales brought the curtain down on West Indies’ innings and sealed another emphatic win for the visitors.
Lyon’s performance took him to 562 career Test wickets, placing him just one behind legendary pacer Glenn McGrath (563) in Australia’s all-time wicket-takers list. Shane Warne remains far ahead at the top with 708 wickets.
Carey Named Player of the Match
Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was named player of the match for his consistent performances and resilience on tough batting surfaces.
Reflecting on the win, Carey said:
“The wickets have been challenging in this series so far, but they have also been a lot of fun to play on because Test cricket can be a grind.”
Chase: “We Must Keep Believing”
Despite the defeat, West Indies skipper Roston Chase encouraged his team to remain optimistic.
“It was always a challenging task, but you have to believe,” he said.
“The guys have to try and stay confident and keep believing in themselves.”
What’s Next?
Australia now head to Jamaica for the third and final Test, aiming for a clean sweep in the series. The West Indies, meanwhile, will be looking to salvage some pride on home soil and find answers to their recurring batting collapses.
With the series already decided, the final Test may also serve as a platform for both teams to test bench strength and prepare for future assignments.
Score Summary
Australia 1st Innings – 286
Top scorers: Steve Smith 71, Cameron Green 52
Best bowling (WI): Shamar Joseph 4-66
West Indies 1st Innings – 253
Top scorers: Shai Hope 58, Kraigg Brathwaite 43
Best bowling (AUS): Nathan Lyon 4-61
Australia 2nd Innings – 243
Top scorers: Steve Smith 71, Alex Carey 45
Best bowling (WI): Shamar Joseph 4-66
West Indies 2nd Innings – 143
Top scorers: Shai Hope 34, Shamar Joseph 24
Best bowling (AUS): Mitchell Starc 3-24, Nathan Lyon 3-42
Key Takeaways
- Australia secure the Test series 2-0 with a match to spare.
- Nathan Lyon edges closer to overtaking Glenn McGrath’s career wicket tally.
- West Indies suffer another batting collapse on a challenging pitch.
- Alex Carey shines as player of the match.
- Final Test to be played in Jamaica next week.
FAQs
Q: Who was named Player of the Match in the second Test?
A: Alex Carey was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
Q: What is the current status of the series?
A: Australia leads the series 2-0 after winning the first two Tests.
Q: How many Test wickets has Nathan Lyon taken so far?
A: Nathan Lyon has taken 562 Test wickets, just one behind Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563.
Q: Where will the third Test take place?
A: The third and final Test will be held in Jamaica.
Q: What was the target set for West Indies in the second Test?
A: Australia set West Indies a target of 277 runs in the fourth innings.
Conclusion
Australia’s dominance in the Caribbean continues, with another comprehensive win in Grenada that highlights the team’s depth, skill, and adaptability in testing conditions. As the series moves to Jamaica, West Indies will need a significant turnaround to avoid a 3-0 whitewash.
Theo Louse
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