Australia have secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series against the West Indies, retaining the Frank Worrell Trophy. The Aussies triumphed in the second Test at Grenada's National Cricket Stadium, winning by 133 runs. This victory extends Australia's dominance over the coveted trophy, which they have held since 1995.
Chasing a target of 277, the West Indies were bundled out for a mere 143 in just 34.3 overs. Mitchell Starc spearheaded the Australian attack, claiming three wickets in a scintillating performance. The West Indian batsmen struggled against Australia's world-class pace attack on a tricky wicket. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon cleaned up the tail.
West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged his team's failure to build partnerships, stating they "lost too many wickets up front" and placed excessive pressure on the lower order.
The West Indies' run chase began poorly, with John Campbell dismissed for a second-ball duck. Josh Hazlewood trapped him on the knee roll, and the review couldn't save the left-hander. Due to the variable bounce, Keacy Carty was hit on the gloves multiple times early in his innings.
Australia resumed at 7-221 and were eventually bowled out for 243. Shamar Joseph (4-66) and Alzarri Joseph (2-52) wrapped up the tail quickly on Sunday morning. Cummins was removed by Joseph on the second ball of the day. Starc underwent a concussion test after being hit on the helmet by a short ball. Carey was trapped LBW for 30, and Hazlewood's middle stump was uprooted by Alzarri to conclude the innings.
Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 243 after Shamar Joseph (4-66) and Alzarri Joseph (2-52) cleaned up the tail. Resuming at 7-221, Cummins was out to the second ball of the day, edging behind to Hope off Joseph. Starc had to undergo a concussion test after copping one on his helmet. Carey was then trapped LBW for 30, before Alzarri uprooted Hazlewood's middle stump to wrap up the innings.
Brandon King struck some good-looking cover drives after getting to the crease and was given a reprieve on 12 when Green dropped a tough chance in the slips. Webster removed Brathwaite in his first over, with Carey taking the catch.
Following the lunch break, Shai Hope (17) counter-attacked, but his innings ended when he top-edged a slog against Hazlewood, who took a simple return catch. Chase (34) landed a couple of blows into the stands off Webster and Starc. However, he was then given out lbw to Starc, and the review couldn't overturn the decision. Lyon (3-43) took the final three wickets, moving within one wicket of Glenn McGrath (563 wickets) on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers list.
Steve Smith and Cameron Green had earlier made gritty half-centuries on a rain-affected third day. The pair combined for a 93-run partnership.
The third Test will be a day-night affair held at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.