By Leighton Levy (Sportsmax)- Australia surged to a commanding 133-run win over the West Indies on Sunday at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series. The hosts were bundled out for 143 in their second innings, unable to withstand the relentless pressure of the Australian bowling attack on the penultimate day of the second Test.
Resuming on 221-7, Alex Carey and Pat Cummins were tasked with extending Australia’s overnight lead. Carey, who started the day on 26, added just four more runs before falling for 30 to Shamar Joseph, trapped lbw in the 69th over after a successful West Indies review. Cummins, on for overnight, managed only eight deliveries before he was caught behind off Joseph for the same score.
Mitchell Starc struck a brisk 13 not out from 22 balls, including one boundary, while Josh Hazlewood added four before Alzarri Joseph knocked him over to wrap up the innings at 243 in 71.3 overs. Shamar Joseph finished with 4-66 to lead the West Indies attack, while Alzarri Joseph claimed 2-52 and Justin Greaves 2-22.
Set 277 to win, the West Indies’ response was feeble.
Josh Hazlewood struck in just the second over, trapping John Campbell lbw for a duck — a decision upheld after a failed review. Keacy Carty (10), Kraigg Brathwaite (7), and Brandon King (14) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 33-4 by lunch.
Captain Roston Chase offered the only real resistance with a counter attacking 34 off 41 balls, including two sixes. But he fell lbw to Starc after a review confirmed the on-field decision, and with his dismissal at 86-6, the innings unraveled rapidly.
Shai Hope added 17 before falling to a return catch by Hazlewood, while Justin Greaves (2) and Alzarri Joseph (13 off 4 balls) departed in quick succession. Shamar Joseph smashed three sixes in an entertaining 24 from 23 balls, but his dismissal, followed by Jayden Seales (8), ended the innings at 143 in just 34.3 overs.
Nathan Lyon cleaned up the tail with 3-42, Starc grabbed 3-24, and Hazlewood took 2-33 as Australia’s bowling unit once again delivered a ruthless performance.
With the win, Australia secured the series and moved further ahead in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The final Test begins at Sabina Park in Kingston on July 12, where the West Indies will be hoping to restore some pride and avoid a series whitewash.
To do so, however, they must address their ongoing batting frailties and find a way to counter an Australian side that has dominated every department so far.
