Day 3 of the second Test between the West Indies and Australia at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, turned out to be another riveting affair with top-notch contest between bat and ball being on display.
Australia started the day at 12/2 in their second innings, with a lead of 45 runs. Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon didn’t last long as Alzarri Joseph sent him packing. However, Steve Smith joined forces with Cameron Green and the duo added a crucial 93-run stand off 153 deliveries on a surface that was yielding uneven bounce. There was also enough movement to keep the bowlers interested.
There were a few play and misses but Green and Smith were not perturbed by them. The former got to his half-century in the 40th over, hitting his fifth boundary of the innings. However, Shamar Joseph cleaned him up on the following delivery to break the partnership. This was Green’s maiden half-century while batting at No. 3 in Tests.
Travis Head walked out to the crease and playing in his usually aggressive manner. The southapw added 58 runs off 77 balls with Smith before the former Australian captain departed for a 119-ball 71. Beau Webster couldn’t replicate his heroics from the first innings as he was dismissed cheaply. Justin Greaves took the wickets of Smith as well as Webster.
Head was the last Australian batter dismissed on Day 3 as he fell for a 60-ball 39, becoming Shamar’s second victim. Greaves and Jayden Seales have also taken two wickets apiece, while Alzharri has accounted for one scalp. At Stumps on Day 3, Australia moved to 221/7, with Alex Carey and skipper Pat Cummins batting on 26* and 4*, respectively.
The tourists have taken a healthy lead of 254 runs despite the West Indies bowlers’ tireless efforts. The surface has deteriorated considerably and it won’t be easy for the Caribbean batters to chase in the fourth innings. However, before thinking about the run-chase, Roston Chase and Co. will have to take the three remaining wickets as quickly as they can on Day 4.
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