Carey and Webster led Australia to 286
Carey and Webster led Australia to 286
A second consecutive century partnership between Alex Carey and Beau Webster lifted Australia to 286 all out on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies. Alzarri Joseph picked up four wickets as Australia were bowled out for 286.
West Indies had an excellent start to the second Test as they bowled out Australia for 286 on a pitch that offered uneven bounce and plenty of help to the bowlers. Despite losing the toss, skipper Roston Chase saw his side dominate most of the day with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The only major setback for the hosts came during the afternoon session, where Australia regained momentum thanks to a valuable century stand between Alex Carey and Beau Webster.
Australia started their innings well with openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja scoring 47 runs together. However, their good start didn't last. Alzarri Joseph sparked the downfall by getting Khawaja out lbw for 16 runs. Just an over later, Konstas edged a ball to the wicketkeeper for 25 runs off Anderson Phillip. These early wickets boosted the West Indies bowlers. Steve Smith soon followed, scoring only 3 runs, as he hit a mistimed pull shot straight to long leg. Cameron Green seemed to be the most comfortable of the early batters but was dismissed right before lunch for 26 runs, caught well at gully by Jayden Seales. By the end of the session, Australia had dropped to 93 for 4, with increasing pressure.
After lunch, Travis Head tried to attack but scored only 29 runs before getting caught behind off Shamar Joseph. The third umpire confirmed the dismissal after reviewing a low catch by Shai Hope. With the score at 110 for 5, Australia needed a strong partnership to stabilise their innings, and Carey and Webster stepped up. They played with purpose and calmness, forming an important 112-run partnership that brought Australia back into the game. Carey had a lucky moment when he survived a dropped catch and went on to score a solid 63 runs from 81 balls. His innings ended when he misplayed a pull shot off Justin Greaves, leading to a catch by Kraigg Brathwaite at mid-wicket. Webster continued to support the innings effectively, scoring 60 runs off 115 balls, but sadly got run out while attempting a risky second run to protect the lower order.
After this partnership ended, the Australian innings fell apart quickly. Pat Cummins was bowled by a low delivery from Alzarri Joseph, who bowled very well all day. Mitchell Starc edged a ball from Seales to the wicketkeeper for only 6 runs, and Nathan Lyon, trying to play an aggressive hook shot, ended up gloving one to Shai Hope. Alzarri stood out as the best bowler with four crucial wickets, and the West Indies left the field knowing they had done well.
As the West Indies were getting ready to start their innings, fading light forced the umpires to stop play before they could bowl any balls. The hosts will begin their batting on Day 2, with challenging conditions expected.