A second consecutive century stand between Alex Carey and Beau Webster helped Australia recover from a shaky start to post 286 all out on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Thursday.
With fading light halting play before the West Indies openers could begin their innings, the day belonged to Australia’s middle and lower order, particularly the composed sixth-wicket partnership of 112 between Carey and Webster. The duo had also played a key role in Australia’s 159-run win in the first Test.
Australia, choosing to bat first, found themselves struggling at 93 for 4 in the morning session. But Carey’s positive approach saw him top-score with a brisk 63 off 81 balls, including one six and ten boundaries. Webster played a more patient role, scoring 60 off 115 deliveries, anchoring the innings and ensuring stability through a series of partnerships. He was eventually run out while attempting an ambitious second run — one of his few mistakes on the day.
Reflecting on his performance, Webster said:
“It was pretty simple really: keeping the straight balls out and trying to score when it was a bit wider or too straight. The wicket offered a little bit again so it was a really good effort to get the total we did.”
Webster also praised Carey’s intent and form during the series:
“This series he has been fantastic and it’s been a pleasure to be up at the other end. We would have loved to get 300-plus and I’m a little bit to blame for not getting us there, but we back our bowlers 100 percent on this sort of surface.”
West Indies’ fast bowlers put up a disciplined effort, led by Alzarri Joseph who claimed 4 for 61. Jayden Seales supported well with 2 for 45, while Anderson Phillip, returning after 18 months, picked up a key early wicket. The home side opted for a pace-heavy attack, leaving out left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.
Joseph sparked Australia’s early collapse, removing Usman Khawaja leg-before and returning Steve Smith — who was playing his first Test since recovering from a finger injury — with a miscued pull that was caught at long leg. Phillip and Seales added pressure, reducing Australia to 93 for 4 before Carey and Webster revived the innings.
A crucial stand was also building between Travis Head and Cameron Green before Green fell for 26 just before lunch, caught at gully off Seales moments after being dropped by John Campbell.
Despite missing out on the 300-run mark, Australia will be buoyed by their strong middle-order fightback and confident in their bowling attack heading into day two.
