WI vs AUS, 2nd Test: Beau Webster, Alex Carey put in yet another rescue act in Greneda-OxBig News Network

Alex Carey and Beau Webster staged a crucial rescue act for Australia on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, guiding the home side to 286 after a dramatic top-order collapse in Brisbane on Thursday.

Australia found themselves in deep trouble at 110 for 5 shortly after lunch, undone by a sharp four-pronged pace attack. But Carey and Webster combined to add 112 valuable runs for the sixth wicket in just 25 overs, each bringing up half-centuries to stabilise the innings.

Australia, leading the three-match series 1–0, won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision seemed to favour the West Indies early, as they ripped through the top order with three wickets in three consecutive overs.

WI vs AUS, 2nd Test, Day 1: Highlights

Usman Khawaja was the first to fall, trapped lbw by an in-swinger from Alzarri Joseph for 16. Debutant Sam Konstas followed soon after, edging Anderson Phillip behind for 25. Phillip, playing his first Test in three years, was brought in to replace frontline spinner Jomel Warrican.

Returning to the side after missing the Barbados Test due to a finger injury, Steve Smith couldn’t make an impact. After passing a fitness test in a baseball batting cage in New York, Smith was dismissed for 3, top-edging a short ball from Joseph to fine leg.

The collapse continued when Cameron Green, dropped on the penultimate ball before lunch, edged Jayden Seales to gully on the final ball of the session. Australia went into the break at 93 for 4.

After lunch, Shamar Joseph struck again, removing Travis Head for 2 with a delivery that hit the handle of the bat, giving wicketkeeper Shai Hope a sharp catch. At 110 for 5, Australia were in danger of a sub-200 total.

Carey and Webster responded with intent. Carey, in particular, took on the bowlers, finding boundaries off Phillip, Seales, and Justin Greaves. He swept Seales confidently and even benefited from a dropped chance by Hope on 46. Moments later, he edged Phillip between the keeper and slip to bring up his 13th Test score of 50 or more.

Webster, playing just his sixth Test, batted with composure to help calm the innings. The pair added 99 runs in the afternoon session for the loss of only Head.

Carey fell after tea for 63, caught by Kraigg Brathwaite off the bowling of Greaves, who was celebrating his own milestone in his 100th Test appearance.

Webster continued to anchor the innings, bringing up his half-century off 87 balls. It was his fourth Test fifty and third in three consecutive matches. However, he received little support from the tail. After a brief rain delay of 35 minutes, Webster was run out for 60 while attempting a second run. A sharp throw from deep point by Keacy Carty ended his innings.

Nathan Lyon was the last man out, handing Alzarri Joseph his fourth wicket. Joseph finished with figures of 4 for 61 from 15.5 overs as Australia were bowled out in just 67 overs.

The West Indies were set to begin their innings late in the day, but bad light brought an early end to play with no further action.

– Ends