West Indies expose Australia's top-order troubles again in Grenada

By SABC Sport
4th July 2025

Australia's top-order frailties came under scrutiny once more as they were bowled out for 286 on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies at the National Stadium in St George's.

After opting to bat, Australia slumped to 110 for 5, with Alzarri Joseph leading the West Indies attack with figures of 4 for 61. A 112-run stand between Beau Webster (60) and Alex Carey (63) offered temporary relief, but another late-order collapse saw the visitors lose their final five wickets for just 64 runs.

Rain and bad light halted West Indies' chance to begin their reply late in the day, but the hosts will be the happier side heading into Day Two after an assertive display in the field.

The early damage came swiftly. Openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja put on 47 before both fell in quick succession, triggering a familiar slide. Steve Smith's much-anticipated return was short-lived as the former captain fell for 3, top-edging a pull off Joseph as Australia lost 3 wickets for 3 runs.

Smith, returning from a finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship final, was one of several top-order batters unable to settle. Cameron Green's dismissal on the stroke of lunch left the visitors reeling at 93 for 4.

After the interval, Travis Head briefly steadied the innings with a cautious 29 but was ruled caught behind off Shamar Joseph after a review confirmed a clean take by wicketkeeper Shai Hope.

Webster and Carey led Australia's recovery into the final session. Carey, though scratchy at times and dropped on 46, played positively, striking 10 boundaries and a six. His dismissal - picking out midwicket off Justin Greaves-sparked another collapse.

Webster's composed 60 ended in frustration, run out after hesitating over a second run to deep point. From 222 for 5, Australia lost their final five wickets inside 14 overs.

Despite winning the first Test convincingly by 159 runs, Australia's continued top-order inconsistency will be a concern. In Adelaide, they were bowled out for 180 on day one. In Grenada, the trend persisted.

With the series on the line and conditions still offering assistance to seamers, the West Indies will sense a genuine opportunity heading into Day Two.