West Indies Pace Attack Rattles Australia in Second Test

KINGSTON: On Day 2 at Sabina Park, the West Indies’ pace bowlers delivered a stunning performance under the lights, accelerating the Test match as Australia struggled to reach 99 for 6. This occurred in challenging conditions, despite Australia’s substantial 181-run advantage.

Cameron Green distinguished himself with a determined 42 amidst the difficult circumstances, a contribution that exceeded its numerical value. He survived a close run-out at 14 and was among the few Australian batsmen who resisted the fierce bowling.

However, it proved a dismal outing for the young Sam Konstas, whose dismissal for a duck concluded a series he’d rather forget. Scoring merely 50 runs at an 8.33 average, his prospects for the Ashes series are now uncertain.

Earlier, Australia dismissed West Indies for 143, securing a vital 82-run lead in the first innings. Scott Boland, replacing Nathan Lyon, made an impact by claiming 3 wickets.

Australia commenced their second innings under lights in the final session, during which the West Indies bowlers displayed remarkable intensity and accuracy. The initial spell with the new ball proved electrifying. Konstas was quickly removed, edging a delivery from Shamar Joseph to gully.

Joseph maintained his aggressive bowling, dismissing Usman Khawaja — who had shown great resilience throughout the series — with an inside edge while Khawaja attempted a forceful drive from around the wicket.

Alzarri Joseph then unleashed the most aggressive spell of the day, reaching speeds of 147kph, the fastest by a West Indian bowler in the series. He troubled Steven Smith, who was dropped at second slip on 1. Smith seemed uncomfortable against the pink ball, a challenge he has previously acknowledged in day-night matches.

Eventually, Alzarri dismissed Smith with a fuller delivery that caught the inside edge. Australia’s middle order struggled to offer significant resistance. Travis Head was caught at second slip off Justin Greaves following a brief partnership with Green. Beau Webster was undone by a superb delivery from Alzarri that moved late, while Alex Carey, already shaken by a blow to the helmet, edged to slip after a loose drive.

The day began at a more measured tempo, with West Indies displaying resilience in the morning session. Similar to Australia’s first innings, the scoring rate was slow. The hosts were at 73 for 3 at lunch, then 124 for 5 before collapsing due to accurate bowling and questionable shot selection.

Brandon King, opening due to injuries to John Campbell and Mikyle Louis, showed early stability before being dismissed lbw by Josh Hazlewood. A contentious moment occurred when Pat Cummins nearly ran out Campbell with a sharp underarm flick.

Umpire Nitin Menon did not consider the appeal and did not refer it to the third umpire. Replays indicated Campbell was narrowly safe, leading to a heated discussion between Cummins and Menon.

Roston Chase survived 70 deliveries before edging Cummins to first slip. Campbell appeared composed, driving elegantly through cover off Hazlewood but misjudged a leave and was bowled by Boland. Louis, hindered by a knee injury, was dismissed for just 8 after a reckless shot.

Australia also had fielding errors, with Carey missing two chances behind the stumps. Shai Hope was dismissed shortly after the second missed chance, with Boland getting a delivery to nip in sharply past his inside edge.

The West Indies’ innings concluded with a run out of Greaves, beaten by a throw from Konstas. With 15 wickets falling on Day 2 and momentum shifting significantly under the lights, the match hangs in the balance. Australia’s 181-run lead presents a challenge for the West Indies as they strive to overcome the conditions.