AUSTRALIA WINS AGAIN AGAINST THE WEST INDIES

by David Harris

Australia defeated the West Indies by 133 runs in the second Test of the three-match Test series at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Sunday. 

Starting the fourth day on 227 runs for seven wickets and a lead of 254 runs; the Australians were dismissed for 243 runs in the first session.  

 Pacer Shamar Joseph had Pat Cummins (4) caught by wicketkeeper Shai Hope with the second ball of the day, and trapped Alex Carey (30) before Alzarri Joseph ended the innings by bowling Joseph Hazlewood. 

 Chasing 277 runs for victory; the West Indies capitulated for a mere 143 runs in 34.3 overs, another shambolic performance from their top-order saw the regional team reeling at 33 for four wickets in the 10 th over. 

A fifth wicket partnership of 38 between captain Roston Chase (34) and Hope (17) was the West Indies best effort at a middle-order recovery. 

Shamar Joseph (24) struck a couple of lusty blows to delay the inevitable, but Australia increased the pressure and wrapped up the match with a day to spare. 

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc captured three wickets for 24 runs, while off-spinner Nathan Lyon picked up three wickets for 42 runs, and seamer Josh Hazlewood too two wickets for 33 runs. 

As a result of Australia’s ruthless victory in Grenada, they have an unassailable 2-nil lead in the series and have retained the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy.  

The third Test; a pink-ball, day/night affair bowls off at Sabina Park in Jamaica from July 12 to 16.