
Tags: West Indies, Alzarri Joseph, Cameron Green, Shamar Joseph, Australia, pink-ball Test
On a breathless second day of the historic pink-ball Test at Sabina Park, the West Indies fast bowlers ignited the evening session with a ferocity reminiscent of their legendary past, reducing Australia to 99 for 6 in their second innings and breathing new life into the contest. Australia now lead by 181 runs with four wickets in hand, but after a day that saw 15 wickets tumble, the tide of the match has shifted dramatically.
West Indies began the day on 16 for 1 after losing debutant Kevlon Anderson (3) to Mitchell Starc late on Day 1, but the hosts were dismissed for 143 in their first innings, conceding an 82-run lead. John Campbell was the standout with a composed 36 from 65 deliveries, including four boundaries, while Shai Hope (23 off 35), Justin Greaves (18), and Roston Chase (18) provided short-lived resistance.
Brandon King, who resumed on eight, became the first wicket of the day when he was trapped lbw by Josh Hazlewood for 14, sparking a steady collapse. Campbell, who had looked in good touch, was undone by a sharp delivery from Scott Boland that clipped the top of off stump. Mikyle Louis, batting with a knee injury sustained on Day 1, played a loose stroke and was bowled for seven, and Hope, after being dropped earlier, fell to a delivery from Boland that jagged in past his inside edge.
Greaves was later run out for 18 after a brilliant piece of fielding from Sam Konstas, who threw down the stumps from deep as the batter attempted a third run. Jomel Warrican edged Cummins to Carey for a duck, and Shamar Joseph was bowled by Boland for eight. Jayden Seales remained unbeaten on four as the innings ended at 143 in 52.1 overs.
Scott Boland finished with 3 for 34 in 13.1 overs, supported by Cummins (2 for 24), Hazlewood (2 for 32), Starc (1 for 32), and Webster (1 for 15).
Australia’s second innings began under lights and with Sabina Park buzzing. The home fans erupted as Shamar Joseph struck early, removing Konstas for a duck and then bowling Usman Khawaja for 14 with a delivery that nipped back sharply—his sixth dismissal of the series from around the wicket.
Then came Alzarri Joseph's blistering spell. Operating at speeds up to 147kph, he unsettled Steven Smith immediately. Smith was dropped on one by Justin Greaves at slip, but Alzarri persisted and eventually found the edge with a fuller delivery, dismissing him for five.
Justin Greaves added to the momentum by removing Travis Head (16), who was caught at second slip. Alzarri returned to dismiss Beau Webster (13) with a late-moving delivery and had Alex Carey caught for a duck just two balls after the wicketkeeper was struck flush on the helmet by a ferocious bouncer.
Green, however, stood firm with an unbeaten 42 off 65 balls, steering Australia to 99 for 6 by stumps alongside Pat Cummins (5*). Their partnership remains key as the visitors look to extend their advantage on Day 3.
West Indies' bowling card read: Alzarri Joseph 8-1-19-3, Shamar Joseph 9-3-26-2, Justin Greaves 4-0-19-1, while Jayden Seales toiled without reward in his 8 overs for 32 runs.
With the pink ball seaming, bouncing, and offering every incentive to the bowlers under the lights, the West Indies will head into the third day with renewed hope and purpose. Australia may hold the numerical advantage, but it was the home side’s spirit and speed that lit up Sabina Park and rekindled memories of the golden age of Caribbean pace.
Photos: Associated Press