- Wed, March 16, 2022

Loading
Australia Crush West Indies by 133 Runs to Seal Series 2-0
Carey, Starc and Lyon Lead the Charge in Dominant 2nd Test Win
Australia pulled off another resounding victory in the Caribbean, defeating West Indies by 133 runs in the 2nd Test at St. George’s, Grenada, to seal the three-match series 2-0. While the margin suggests dominance, the match itself offered moments of tension, particularly during Australia's top-order collapses. But every time the visitors looked under pressure, someone stepped up — and this time, it was Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon who made the difference.
Australia’s Fight from the Front
Winning the toss on a slightly green wicket, Australia opted to bat and stumbled early in the first innings. The top order crumbled under sharp spells from Alzarri Joseph, but middle-order contributions from Beau Webster (60) and Alex Carey (63) helped Australia recover from 110/5 to post 286. The knock from Carey was especially vital—coming at a tricky phase of the game, he brought calmness and urgency in equal measure.
West Indies, in response, gave themselves a fair chance with Brandon King’s 75, but lost momentum after reaching 169/5. Despite some resistance from Alzarri and Shamar Joseph, they folded for 253, giving Australia a slim 33-run first-innings lead.
Green, Smith and Carey Build the Cushion
In the second innings, Australia again found themselves rattled at 4/28 with both openers dismissed by Jayden Seales, and Lyon strangely promoted to No. 4. The real recovery began when Cameron Green (52) and Steven Smith (71) stitched together a crucial 93-run partnership. Their knocks helped set up a target that would prove to be well beyond the hosts' reach.
Another 30 from Carey and late cameos from Starc and Hazlewood meant Australia managed 243, setting West Indies a target of 277 on a deteriorating Day 4 pitch.
West Indies Collapse Under Pressure Again
The West Indies' chase never got going. John Campbell was trapped lbw in the second over, and Keacy Carty and Kraigg Brathwaite followed soon after. The early damage—West Indies at 33/4 by lunch—was inflicted by Hazlewood, Cummins, and a surprise burst from Beau Webster.
Captain Roston Chase showed intent with 34 runs including two sixes, but poor shot selection haunted the middle order again. Starc returned to clean up the tail with three wickets, including big scalps like Chase and Greaves. Nathan Lyon wrapped things up with 3 for 42, including a sharp return catch to dismiss Jayden Seales and seal the match.
West Indies were bowled out for 143 in just 34.3 overs, suffering yet another brutal defeat at home.
Alex Carey Deservedly Named Player of the Match
Carey’s performance was the glue that held Australia together. He played under pressure in both innings and batted with maturity and confidence on pitches that offered sharp turn and uneven bounce. His keeping was also top-class, especially against Lyon on Day 4. With 93 runs across two innings and clutch partnerships, Carey was rightly named Player of the Match.
He later spoke about adapting his mindset to challenging conditions, crediting teammates like Webster and Head for injecting positive intent. “The surfaces haven’t been easy, but we’ve found ways to compete,” said Carey after the win.
Cummins’ Captaincy Decisions Pay Off Again
Pat Cummins once again showcased calm and intelligent leadership. From trusting Lyon with the old ball to throwing the new cherry to part-timer Beau Webster when the main bowlers needed rest—Cummins has quietly mastered the art of timing his bowling changes. He now has a 2-0 series lead on foreign soil, and Australia is quickly climbing the World Test Championship 2025 table.
West Indies: Flashes of Promise, But Same Old Story
This series has seen West Indies bowl reasonably well—they’ve dismissed Australia under 300 in three of four innings—but their batting has simply not delivered. Captain Roston Chase lamented the repeated top-order collapses and emphasized the need for partnerships and application.
With Shai Hope, King, and Alzarri Joseph showing glimpses of form, the challenge now is consistency. The final Test in Jamaica will be a day-night pink-ball encounter, which could further tilt the contest in Australia’s favor if West Indies doesn’t adapt quickly.
Series Outlook: Australia Ascendant, Windies in Trouble
With the series already won, Australia may look to rotate a few players for the third Test in Kingston. Marnus Labuschagne and Sean Abbott are waiting in the wings, and there’s even chatter about resting Hazlewood or Starc.
For West Indies, it’s not just about saving face—it’s about proving they can compete in the longest format at home. The final match offers a chance for redemption and resistance.
Until then, Australia will enjoy their week-long break, knowing they’ve executed a near-perfect campaign so far in the Caribbean.
Comments:
Leave a Reply