Sports News: Australia outplayed the West Indies in the second match of the ongoing test series between the two nations. They have now taken an unassailable lead in the three-match test series. After having won the first test with a great turnaround, the visitors snatched away a 133-run victory at St. George's, Grenada. Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Not a match where huge runs were scored, the Aussies could only manage a decent total of 286 on a wicket that supported bowlers.
Webster and Carey's important partnership
Australian all-rounder Beau Webster and wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey stitched a much-needed 112-run partnership to put a fighting total on the board in the first innings. After the openers put on a 47-run stand, Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja went back to the hut. The misery piled on when the veteran batter Steve Smith was also dismissed just for a meager 3. At 110-5, the visitors looked a bit hesitant. That's when Carey and Webster's turnaround put the hosts on the back foot.
Webster, the tall right-handed middle-order batter, scored a well-compiled 60 before unfortunately getting run out. Alex Carey, the southpaw, scored 63 before falling to Justin Greaves.
A small but helpful first-innings lead
After putting 286 on the board, the Aussie bowlers did a great job to extract a 33-run lead in the first innings. Josh Hazlewood started off the proceedings with a great return catch to dismiss Kraigg Braithwaite. It started a domination with the ball, as the hosts were dismissed for 256. Nathon Lyon, the off-spinner, spun his web yet again and picked up three crucial wickets. All the bowlers were among the wickets; Skipper Pat and Hazlewood picked 2 each, while Mitchel Starc, Webster, and Travis Head accounted for a wicket each.
Australia's turnaround
The batters managed to score 243 in the second innings and set a target of 277 for the hosts. Steve Smith top-scored with 71, followed by a much-needed 52 by Cameron Green. Head and Carey's contributions of 39 and 30, respectively, helped Australia set a good total on a tough surface. With the ball, Starc led the charge with three scalps, alongside Nathan Lyon, who picked as many wickets. Australia completed a 133-run victory, bowling the Windies out for just 143. Alex Carey was adjudged the man of the match.
