As Australia enters the third day of the second Test against the West Indies, they find themselves with a precarious 45-run lead. The home side was dismissed for 253 on day two, managing only a 33-run advantage at the end of their innings, and faced a challenging stretch of play just before stumps.
West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales claimed both Australian openers during a tense final half-hour. Sam Konstas was the first to go, out for a duck after edging a wide delivery onto his off-stump. Following him, Usman Khawaja fell victim to lbw for the third time this series, a dismissal that has become a recurring theme for him, as Seales consistently angles the ball in from around the wicket.
The pitch at Grenada showed signs of causing problems for the batsmen; Cameron Green had a close escape when a delivery unexpectedly reared up, nearly resulting in a catch. Khawaja also had a narrow miss as a delivery zipped through beneath his bat.
Despite these troubles, night watchman Nathan Lyon and Green managed to survive until stumps, aided by what appeared to be some strategic gamesmanship from Lyon, who called for medical assistance after being struck in the shoulder, ensuring only one final delivery was bowled before the close of play.
Earlier in the day, Australian bowlers combined effectively to limit the West Indies’ scoring opportunities. John Campbell seemed to be settling in well before a miscued shot led to his dismissal, caught at mid-wicket off Beau Webster’s bowling.
After tea, Alzarri Joseph and Shamarh Brooks caused some frustration for the Australians, adding 51 runs for the eighth wicket before Lyon broke the partnership, catching Joseph attempting a lofted shot over mid-off.
In a controversial moment, Travis Head claimed the final wicket, catching Anderson Phillip, though there were questions about whether the ball had carried cleanly. Phillip stood his ground, and most players hesitated to celebrate, prompting the on-field umpires to refer the decision to the third umpire. Replays indicated that the ball might have bounced, leading to a debate among commentators, including former West Indies great Kieron Pollard, about the legitimacy of the catch.
Play is set to resume at midnight AEST on Saturday, with both teams keen to seize control of the match.