On a tricky pitch with uneven bounce, the West Indies made the most of Day 1 of the second Test, bowling Australia out for 286 and asserting control despite a spirited partnership between Alex Carey and Beau Webster.
After losing the toss, West Indies were sent into the field but struck early and often. Australia made a decent start with openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja putting up 47 runs, but things quickly unravelled. Alzarri Joseph struck the first blow, trapping Khawaja lbw for 16, and Konstas followed soon after, edging Anderson Phillip behind for 25. The pressure mounted when Steve Smith fell cheaply, top-edging a pull shot off Joseph to long leg for just 3.
Cameron Green looked composed and promising but couldn’t carry on, falling to Jayden Seales for 26 just before lunch. At 93 for 4, Australia were reeling.
Post-lunch, Travis Head showed intent with a quick 29, but Shamar Joseph had him nicking behind, a decision upheld after the third umpire confirmed a sharp low catch by Shai Hope. At 110 for 5, Australia needed a rescue act, and they found it in Carey and Webster. The duo put on a vital 112-run stand, with Carey batting fluently for his 63 off 81 balls. He had a lucky break when Hope dropped him early in his innings, but he couldn't capitalise fully, falling to Justin Greaves after mistiming a pull to mid-wicket.
Webster stayed steady, compiling a gritty 60 off 115 balls before being run out while trying to shield the tail with a risky second run. Once he was gone, the lower order folded quickly. Pat Cummins was undone by a shooter from Joseph, Starc edged behind off Seales, and Lyon gloved a short ball to Hope, giving Alzarri Joseph his fourth wicket of the innings.
West Indies openers walked out to begin their reply, but fading light meant no further play was possible before stumps. Still, the hosts will be pleased with their day’s work, having kept Australia in check on a challenging surface.