Entering the second test match between Australia and the West Indies, both sides were fighting for control of the match early on. With this match occurring in St George’s, Grenada, a stadium the Aussies have never played at before, many analysts and experts believed it would be tough for them to hit boundaries due to its width.
As the away side entered with tons of batting woes, including scoring only 919 runs in their last four test innings, this stadium’s structure would make it even harder for them. But with the opening toss today, captain Pat Cummins believed in his never-give-up mentality and said they would take the challenge to bat first, while their bowlers could do the rest of the job later on.
Although Australia started off very slowly, they were able to finish at 286/10 and go with a high amount of confidence on day two. On the other end, this West Indies unit bowled mostly during today, while their respective captain, Roston Chase, is hoping for a big batting performance tomorrow.
A team that is battling with its own batting issues, the thousands of fans cheering them on at Grenada National Cricket Stadium and worldwide are hoping their side can make a statement in the West Indies’ first innings tomorrow. Before heading into tomorrow’s contest, though, it’s important to note some of the key points after Day One.
The Aussies’ Top-Order Struggles Again
Even though Australia put up 286 runs, their top four or five batsmen were nowhere to be found once again. As Usman Khawaja’s struggles continue with him only scoring 16, this has now been a consistent theme for the opening batter since he’s only put up 84 runs in his last 5 innings.
Although Sam Konstas was looking much sharper to start the innings with his crisp shots and aggressive drives, he managed to score only 25 before getting got behind the stumps by Shai Hope. The one positive to look at about this top order is that Steve Smith, who scored 3 runs today, has returned from an injury and should regain his form in a few matches.
Although Travis Head looked unbeatable in the first test match with two half-centuries, he got caught trying to swing with too much power and paid his price. Out for 29 runs, he did display his elite boundary-hitting skills and ability to play on both sides by hitting three boundaries, but eventually, bowler Shamar Joseph figured him out.
Meanwhile, the biggest question remains Cameron Green coming at one down as his inconsistencies have played a huge factor in Australia losing batting momentum. Even though he tried his best to maximize potential, 26 runs were not enough for the position he came into bat.
Mighty Middle Order Saved The Day
Since the top order couldn’t carry the load in the match, it came down to how middle-order batsmen would perform for Australia. With Alex Carey slowly becoming a lifeline for this squad, he managed to hit 63 runs in just 81 deliveries and create a massive partnership with Beau Webster.
Although the wicket-keeper managed to get out with Australia at 222/6, he had come in at a time when they were just 110/5. Meanwhile, Beau Webster also finished with a solid knock after hitting his fourth test half-century and helping the score go past 255 runs despite wickets falling around him pretty quickly.
Captain Pat Cummins was able to use a very underrated batting technique to score 17 runs in a quick 20 balls. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but given the context of the game and how he is a bowling all-rounder, the knock changed this match’s complexion. Hitting three quick boundaries, it also allowed bowler Mitchell Starc to come in and hit a quick four before getting caught by Shai Hope.
As the batsman from 4-down to 8-down combined for over 120 runs, without their support, this Australia squad would have been in a world of trouble at this current moment heading into day two.
West Indies’ Various Bowling Options Kept This Game In Check
On a day when the West Indies once again caught early fire against this Australian batting unit, their bowlers did a terrific job of limiting runs and making it easier for this group’s batsmen to chase down. With Anderson Philip making his third test match appearance, he was the one who struck big after taking out a very dangerous-looking Sam Konstas.
Another major bowler on this unit, Alzarri Joseph, was the first one to blow a punch as he had taken Usman Khawaja out at 47/1. His prowess allowed Joseph, a four-wicket haul, to get three of Australia’s top 7 batsmen out, and he was the one who clean-bowled Pat Cummins, plus got a very dangerous Steve Smith for just three runs.
As Jayden Seals had taken a little longer to find his footing in this match, it came when he took out Cameron Green and made Australia 93/4. On a ball that was cutting inside with pace, he was able to force Green into a shot that went directly to captain Roston Chase. His other wicket came off a deadly delivery to Mitchell Starc that nicked off the bat into Shai Hope’s hands.
Justin Greaves was pretty expensive today and was the only bowler who didn’t have a maiden, but that didn’t stop him from almost having two wickets that were dropped. Looking like he had several chances, their final pacer in Shamar Joseph took yet another wicket against Australia, and at a very important time when Travis Head looked settled.
Also Read: WI vs AUS: “Captaining The West Indies Is A Great Job”- Roston Chase Ready To Embrace Leadership