The West Indies’ pace attack once again troubled Australia’s top order, leaving the tourists struggling at 92 for four in their second innings at stumps on day two of the first Test at Kensington Oval. This sets up a thrilling third day, with the match finely balanced on a knife’s edge.
Match Poised for a Thrilling Finish
After dismissing the West Indies for 190, giving themselves a slender 10-run first-innings lead, Australia now leads by 82 runs with six wickets remaining. It was another eventful day, with ten wickets falling, following the fourteen that tumbled on day one. The day also saw some controversial television umpiring decisions that left the West Indies feeling hard done by.
Travis Head, often Australia’s counter-attacking hero, will resume batting on Friday morning alongside all-rounder Beau Webster. All four West Indies bowlers used in the second innings have claimed a wicket each, highlighting their collective effort.
West Indies Pace Attack Strikes Again
Alzarri Joseph, who went wicketless in the first innings, was the first to strike in the long final session, trapping Usman Khawaja leg before wicket.
Shamar Joseph, who set the tone on day one, endured a frustrating period when Sam Konstas was dropped twice in his over. However, Konstas’s difficult innings eventually ended 20 minutes later when he played on to Joseph.
Jayden Seales added to his five-wicket haul from the previous day by dismissing Josh Inglis for the second time in the match, clean bowling the right-hander who offered no shot. Australia’s ongoing experiment with Cameron Green at number three suffered another setback when he edged medium-pacer Justin Greaves to first slip.
Earlier in the day, West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope provided much-needed resistance, stitching together a 67-run partnership. This came after the home side had slumped to 72 for five early on the second morning, with debutant Brandon King bowled for 26 by seamer Josh Hazlewood after shouldering arms.
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