Australia has the advantage after a day at Sabina Park, where 15 wickets fell
Australia has the advantage after a day at Sabina Park, where 15 wickets fell
West Indies were bowled out for 143 in their second innings. Australia led by 181 runs with four second-innings wickets remaining after 15 wickets fell on day two of their day-night Test against West Indies in Kingston.
Australia’s batting lineup faced a serious setback on Day 2 at Sabina Park, as West Indies’ pace duo Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph rattled the top order and left the visitors reeling at 99 for 6 by stumps. Despite the collapse, Australia still held a narrow edge, with a lead of 181 runs and four wickets remaining.
West Indies had resumed their innings at 16 for 1, following Australia's first innings total of 225. Brandon King was dismissed early in the day, trapped lbw by a sharp delivery from Josh Hazlewood. Even though King opted for a review, the decision stood on the umpire’s call. Scott Boland struggled to find rhythm, overstepping several times, but West Indies showed some resistance, especially through Roston Chase. However, Pat Cummins broke the momentum, drawing Chase into a wide shot that led to his dismissal at slip.
By lunch, the West Indies were holding steady at 73 for 3, but the second session saw their innings unravel. The Australian pacers stepped up despite occasional missteps, including dropped catches by Alex Carey and more overstepping by Boland. John Campbell was dismissed lbw after not offering a shot, while Mikyle Louis and Shai Hope were bowled cleanly. Justin Greaves was run out amid the pressure, and the tail couldn’t offer much resistance as Australia took control with a strong lead.
The visitors, though, couldn’t fully capitalise. West Indies struck back early with the ball Sam Konstas was dismissed for a duck in just the second over after edging to gully. Cameron Green stood firm and played some crisp shots, but the West Indies kept snatching wickets from the other end. Usman Khawaja was bowled for 14, and Alzarri Joseph shifted the momentum further by knocking over Steve Smith and Beau Webster in quick succession. Travis Head was caught at slip soon after, and Alex Carey followed for a duck in the same over.
Toward the end of the day, Cameron Green had a couple of close calls while running between the wickets, but he survived and remained unbeaten on 42. He had captain Pat Cummins at the other end, and together they played out the final overs without further loss, setting the stage for a tense Day 3.