12 wickets fell on the second day of the Grenada Test. West Indies were all out for 253 in their first innings. Australia gained a lead of 45 runs but had a poor start to their second innings. At stumps, the Aussies were 2 wickets down for 12 runs. The match has reached a thrilling stage.
WI vs AUS: The second match of the three-Test series between West Indies and Australia has now completely become a contest of the bowlers. A total of 12 wickets fell on the second day of this match being played at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada, and the game seemed to be heading towards a state of equilibrium. Australia ended the day with 2 wickets for 12 runs in their second innings, while they now have a lead of 45 runs.
West Indies' First Innings - Brandon King Shines, Others Fail
The second day's play began with the West Indies' first innings. The team's start was very poor, and captain Kraigg Brathwaite returned to the pavilion without scoring. Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood took a brilliant caught and bowled dismissal. Following this, Kye Carty (6 runs), Roston Chase (16 runs), and Justin Greaves (1 run) were also dismissed early.
However, Brandon King played a courageous innings, scoring 55 runs and trying his best to steady the innings. John Campbell also stayed for a while, scoring 40 runs, but could not give the team a big score. Other batsmen included Shai Hope (21), Alzarri Joseph (27), Anderson Phillip (10), and Jayden Seales (7 not out).
Australian Bowlers Tighten the Grip
Speaking of Australian bowlers, Nathan Lyon once again showed his spin magic and took 3 wickets.
- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood took 2 wickets each.
- Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster and Travis Head got 1 success each.
- Australia's b bowling restricted West Indies to 253 runs, giving them a 45-run lead in the first innings.
Australia's Wobble in the Second Innings
With a lead of 45 runs, when Australia came out to bat in the second innings, everyone expected them to convert this lead into a b foundation. But West Indies' young fast bowler Jayden Seales dashed these hopes.
In the very first over, Sam Konstas, who had given some hope by scoring 25 runs in the first innings, was bowled and could not even open his account. After this, in the third over, Seales increased Australia's troubles by getting Usman Khawaja (2 runs) LBW out. At stumps, Cameron Green (6 runs) and Nathan Lyon (2 runs) are present at the crease, but this situation of the batting order is a danger signal for Australia.
West Indies' Bowling Showed Sharpness
The return of West Indies in the bowling was clearly visible on the second day.
- Jayden Seales not only took wickets, but also troubled the batsmen with his length and movement.
The West Indies team will now work on a plan to dismiss Australia early on the third day so that they can win the match by setting a small target.
Third Day's Strategy: Who Will Build the Lead?
Now the first session of the morning on the third day can prove decisive.
- If West Indies take wickets early, they can restrict Australia to within 100-125 runs and clear the path to victory.
- On the other hand, Australia's hopes will rest on Cameron Green, Alex Carey and Pat Cummins, who can take the lead to 150-200 runs and make a comeback in the match.
