West Indies produce late resistance but Australia in the ascendancy in second Test

Despite frequent rain delays and a spirited late fightback from the West Indies, Australia ended day three of the second Test firmly in control, as they built a 254-run lead with three wickets in hand at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

Resuming the day at 12-2, the Australians overcame early nerves and a tricky surface to reach 221-7 at stumps, thanks largely to well-constructed half-centuries from Cameron Green and veteran Steven Smith.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, on 26, and captain Pat Cummins, on four, will look to push the lead beyond 300 when play resumes at 9:15am local time (8:15am Jamaica time) on day four.

Green, who started the day on six, anchored Australia’s innings with a patient 52 from 123 balls as he batted through difficult spells, especially in the morning session.

In fact, the 26-year-old seemed set for a bigger score but was undone by Shamar Joseph in the 40th over, as he chopped onto his stumps shortly after celebrating his first half-century against the Caribbean side.

Before that, Green lost his overnight partner, Nathan Lyon, for eight, as the nightwatchman chased an outswinger from Alzarri Joseph and was caught by John Campbell at point.

Australia were 28-3 at that point, but West Indies’ hopes of making further inroads were thwarted by Green and Smith.

The two took control and stitched together a vital 93-run partnership that took the sting out of the West Indies’ early burst. After Green’s dismissal, Smith, who mixed caution with aggression, brought up his 43rd Test half-century when he whipped a Shamar Joseph delivery off his legs for four and looked poised for three figures.

However, Justin Greaves, impressive with the ball all day, trapped the 36-year-old danger man in front for 71 with a delivery that jagged in sharply.

Smith reviewed the on-field decision, but it proved futile as the DRS confirmed that South African umpire Adrian Holdstock was on point.

Greaves struck again just two overs later, as he removed Beau Webster for just two to reduce Australia to 181-6, as the West Indies sniffed an opportunity to claw their way back. But the Australians were not done yet.

Carey arrived with attacking intent and raced to 26 off 27 deliveries, as he combined with Travis Head in a crucial 31-run stand. Head, who looked fluent throughout his 39 off 60, was eventually bowled by a sharp in-swinger from Shamar Joseph in the final session—ending a potentially game-defining innings.

Still, with Carey looking set, the Australians were intent on a lower-order resistance to swell their lead beyond what it is, but bad light ended play prematurely. (Sportsmax)