Steve Smith has once again come to Australia’s rescue after another top-order collapse, keeping the tourists in the fight during a dramatic second Test against the West Indies.
At stumps, Australia sits at 7/221, holding an overall lead of 254 runs with three wickets remaining - thanks largely to Smith’s patient knock and a crucial partnership with Cameron Green.
Smith and Green Stabilise After Rocky Start
Australia started the day in trouble at 3/28 before Smith arrived at the crease, steadying the innings alongside Green. The pair combined for a valuable 93-run partnership, with Green scoring a hard-fought 52 off 123 balls before being bowled after chopping onto his stumps.
Travis Head joined Smith and the two looked set for big scores until a sudden middle-order collapse flipped the momentum yet again. In the final session at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, the hosts struck back, claiming the key wickets of Smith (72), Head (39) and Beau Webster (2) in quick succession - three wickets for just 27 runs.
Just two overs after Head’s dismissal, bad light brought play to a close, leaving the match finely poised heading into the next day.
“We’re In a Nice Spot” — Smith
Speaking at stumps, Smith acknowledged the difficult batting conditions. “It was a tricky surface,” he said. “We are in a nice spot. Don’t think the wicket is going to get any better. Will probably do a few more tricks. The new ball is going to be pretty crucial for us. Hopefully, we can get up to somewhere around 300 and then we’ll see how it goes.”
His 72-run knock marked his 43rd Test half-century and was a timely return to form after missing the first Test due to injury and a low score in the first innings of this match.
Selection Decisions Under the Microscope
Australia holds a 1–0 lead in the three-match series after their 159-run win in the first Test in Barbados. But top-order concerns persist. Sam Konstas, the young opener, endured another tough outing, dismissed for a four-ball duck by Jayden Seales. Konstas’ Test career, now just four matches old, is already under pressure, especially after being troubled by balance issues highlighted by former player Greg Blewett during commentary.
“Sometimes he’s getting in good positions, but a lot of the time you’re just seeing that overbalance after he plays a shot,” Blewett said. “That just suggests things aren’t quite right with his balance.”
Meanwhile, selectors will be pleased to see Green score runs at number three, offering hope that Australia’s batting line-up can find stability when it matters most.
West Indies Keep Series Alive
For the West Indies, disciplined bowling and a fighting spirit have kept them in the contest. The quick dismissals of Smith, Head, and Webster ensured the visitors didn’t get too far ahead on a surface that is expected to deteriorate further.
With a lead of 254 runs, Australia will aim to push their total closer to 300 before setting about defending it - and potentially sealing the series with a 2–0 advantage.
The stage is set for another thrilling day of Test cricket in this gripping series.
Catch every ball of the West Indies vs Australia Test & T20I series live on ESPN and Kayo Sports.
