ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Ruthless spells from Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon condemned the West Indies to a different humbling defeat on residence soil, as Australia wrapped up the second Check by 133 runs to assert an unassailable 2-0 lead within the three-match sequence.
The hosts have been skittled for a dismal 143 on a crumbling fourth-day pitch on the Nationwide Cricket Stadium, chasing a goal of 277.
Early promise fades as batting crumbles once more
What had begun with a flicker of optimism rapidly unraveled into yet one more acquainted collapse. The West Indies discovered themselves in dire straits by lunch on Day 4, with Australia’s seamers and spinners exploiting each 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 simply 10, the rating learn a grim 15-2.
The second grew much more symbolic when Kraigg Brathwaite, enjoying in his one centesimal Check, fell cheaply as soon as extra. A faint edge off debutant Beau Webster gave Alex Carey a easy catch, leaving the house aspect reeling at 29 for 3.
Cummins breaks by means of, Hope and Chase supply temporary resistance
There was fleeting brilliance from Brandon King, who caressed a trio of beautiful drives earlier than a Pat Cummins supply straightened completely to clatter into off stump. At 33 for 4, the writing was already etched on the wall.
Captain Roston Chase and Shai Hope supplied a measure of resistance, placing collectively a 38-run stand, but it surely was finally futile. Hope’s intent acquired the higher of him, as he miscued a pull straight again to Hazlewood for 17. Chase stood tall with a prime rating of 34 earlier than falling to a Starc supply that skidded low onto his pads.
Tail flares briefly, however Lyon snuffs out remaining hope
At 99 for seven, the match was all however over. Late-order fireworks from Shamar Joseph (24) and Alzarri Joseph (13) briefly entertained the Grenadian crowd, however Nathan Lyon, methodical and cruel, cleaned up the tail, ending with figures of three for 42.
Mitchell Starc, working with tempo and precision, took 3 for twenty-four, whereas Hazlewood added 2 for 33 to cap off a scientific Australian efficiency.
Joseph’s early strikes not sufficient
Earlier within the morning session, Shamar Joseph had given the West Indies a glimmer of hope, eradicating two of the ultimate three Australian wickets because the guests have been bowled out for 243, having resumed on 221 for 7. However the modest fourth-innings goal proved too steep for a brittle batting unit.
Talking after the match, West Indies skipper Roston Chase was candid in his evaluation of the group’s shortcomings:
“It was a case the place we by no means acquired these partnerships going, particularly up entrance with the brand new ball,” Chase admitted.
“The brand new ball was the toughest problem on the wicket, and we misplaced too many wickets early. We’re asking the center and decrease order to do an excessive amount of.”
He added, “If we will attempt to keep away from shedding so many wickets within the first 10 to fifteen overs, I believe we’d have a greater likelihood of scoring extra runs.”
Wanting forward: Remaining Check in Jamaica
With the sequence already determined, each groups will now flip their consideration to the third and remaining Check, scheduled to start on Saturday in Jamaica. For Australia, it’s an opportunity to comb the sequence. For the West Indies, it’s a determined alternative to revive delight and salvage one thing from a forgettable marketing campaign.
