Australia’s Top-Order Woes Persist as West Indies Bowl Them Out for 286 in Grenada

Australia’s batting frailties resurfaced on day one of the second Test against West Indies, as they were dismissed for 286 in Grenada after another rocky top-order display.

Opting to bat first at the National Stadium in St George’s, the visitors slumped to 110-5, with returning star Steve Smith making just three before falling to Alzarri Joseph, who led the West Indies attack with figures of 4-61.

A much-needed 112-run stand between Beau Webster and Alex Carey helped rescue the innings from collapse, but the momentum was short-lived. Australia lost their final five wickets for just 64 runs, once again exposing the depth issues in their lineup.

West Indies openers had just begun to make their way to the crease for their response when poor light brought an early end to play, denying them a chance to begin their first innings.

Australia, who claimed the first Test by 159 runs, had been bundled out for just 180 on the opening day of that match and again found themselves in early trouble during the second innings. The top order faltered, slipping to 65-4 before Travis Head, Webster and Carey offered some resistance.

In Grenada, debutant Sam Konstas and seasoned campaigner Usman Khawaja provided a promising start, reaching 47 for the first wicket. But both departed in quick succession, triggering a collapse that saw three wickets fall for just three runs.

Smith, returning in place of Josh Inglis after recovering from a dislocated finger sustained in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, top-edged a pull shot to fine leg while attempting to counterattack Joseph.

Cameron Green was the next to go, falling to Jayden Seales off the last ball before lunch, leaving Australia wobbling at 93-4.

Travis Head’s dismissal for 29 shortly after a brief rain delay—caught behind off Shamar Joseph—was confirmed following a third umpire review, which ruled that wicketkeeper Shai Hope had completed a clean low catch.

Webster and Carey then led Australia’s most composed phase of the day, guiding the side to 209-5 at tea. Carey, though not at his fluent best and dropped on 46 by Hope, still managed a brisk 63 off 81 balls with 10 boundaries and a six before falling to Justin Greaves, mistiming a shot straight to mid-wicket.

Webster showed solid application for his 60 from 115 deliveries but was run out by Keacy Carty after misjudging a second run. His departure triggered a swift collapse of the lower order, bringing Australia’s innings to a premature close.