ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Ruthless spells from Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon condemned the West Indies to another humbling defeat on home soil, as Australia wrapped up the second Test by 133 runs to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The hosts were skittled for a dismal 143 on a crumbling fourth-day pitch at the National Cricket Stadium, chasing a target of 277.
Early promise fades as batting crumbles again
What had begun with a flicker of optimism quickly unraveled into yet another familiar collapse. The West Indies found themselves in dire straits by lunch on Day Four, with Australia’s seamers and spinners exploiting every crack and crease of the pitch. John Campbell’s early lbw dismissal to Josh Hazlewood set the tone, and when Keacy Carty edged Starc behind for just 10, the score read a grim 15-2.
The moment grew even more symbolic when Kraigg Brathwaite, playing in his 100th Test, fell cheaply once more. A faint edge off debutant Beau Webster gave Alex Carey a simple catch, leaving the home side reeling at 29 for three.
Cummins breaks through, Hope and Chase offer brief resistance
There was fleeting brilliance from Brandon King, who caressed a trio of exquisite drives before a Pat Cummins delivery straightened perfectly to clatter into off stump. At 33 for four, the writing was already etched on the wall.
Captain Roston Chase and Shai Hope offered a measure of resistance, putting together a 38-run stand, but it was ultimately futile. Hope’s intent got the better of him, as he miscued a pull straight back to Hazlewood for 17. Chase stood tall with a top score of 34 before falling to a Starc delivery that skidded low onto his pads.
Tail flares briefly, but Lyon snuffs out final hope
At 99 for seven, the match was all but over. Late-order fireworks from Shamar Joseph (24) and Alzarri Joseph (13) briefly entertained the Grenadian crowd, but Nathan Lyon, methodical and merciless, cleaned up the tail, ending with figures of 3 for 42.
Mitchell Starc, operating with pace and precision, took 3 for 24, while Hazlewood added 2 for 33 to cap off a clinical Australian performance.
Joseph’s early strikes not enough
Earlier in the morning session, Shamar Joseph had given the West Indies a glimmer of hope, removing two of the final three Australian wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 243, having resumed on 221 for 7. But the modest fourth-innings target proved too steep for a brittle batting unit.
Speaking after the match, West Indies skipper Roston Chase was candid in his assessment of the team’s shortcomings:
“It was a case where we never got those partnerships going, especially up front with the new ball,” Chase admitted.
“The new ball was the hardest challenge on the wicket, and we lost too many wickets early. We’re asking the middle and lower order to do too much.”
He added, “If we can try to avoid losing so many wickets in the first 10 to 15 overs, I think we’d have a better chance of scoring more runs.”
Looking ahead: Final Test in Jamaica
With the series already decided, both teams will now turn their attention to the third and final Test, scheduled to begin on Saturday in Jamaica. For Australia, it’s a chance to sweep the series. For the West Indies, it’s a desperate opportunity to restore pride and salvage something from a forgettable campaign.
