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Windies put pressure on Australia
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in Int'l Cricket. | 04 July 2025 | 121 Views
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West Indies fell short of Australia's first-innings total, but the tourists are not comfortable after a tough start to their second innings.

West Indies kept the pressure on Australia on day two of their second Test thanks to Brandon King and Jayden Seales.

Australia finished day one on 286 all out, with West Indies starting with the bat on Friday. Though Seales ensured they made a strong start on attack, they trail the tourists by 45 runs at close of play.

Kraigg Brathwaite's day got off to a terrible start as he was caught and bowled by Josh Hazlewood (2-43) for a duck in the second over, but fellow opener John Campbell (40) helped steady some nerves.

But it was King, who scored a maiden Test half-century that pushed West Indies forward, as he plundered eight fours and three maximums in his knock.

Alzarri Joseph (27) and Shamar Joseph (29) helped the hosts edge closer to Australia after King's dismissal, but after they were dismissed by Nathan Lyon (3-75) and Mitchell Starc (1-48) respectively, West Indies could only reach 253 all out.

Australia had 35 minutes at the end of the day to try and make a strong start to their second innings, but another top-order wobble could cost them.

Seales (2-5) removed both openers within the first three overs, with Australia on 4-2. Sam Konstas faced four balls without scoring before stumps were sent flying, while Usman Khawaja managed just two before being trapped lbw.

Cameron Green (six not out) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (two not out) will pick up at the crease on Saturday, with Australia on the back foot after being dropped to 12-2.

Data Debrief: Windies find their groove

It was far from an ideal start for the hosts, as, for just the eighth time in Test history, the first two wickets of an innings fell to return catches, with Pat Cummins also pulling off an incredible effort to dismiss Keacy Carty for six.

But King, who scored his half-century in 77 balls, took his total Test runs up to 101 overall in just his second match.

Seales stole the show in the dying moments though, ensuring Australia's top-order problems continued. Konstas has now only hit double figures in one of his four innings in the series.

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