West Indies Roar Back as Australia's Batting Wobbles
Most cricket fans expected Australia to control the pace in the second Test at St George's, Grenada. Instead, the script has twisted thanks to a sudden burst of Caribbean pace and grit. Australia put up 286 in their first outing—a score that looked safe on a pitch offering some bite but hardly a fortress. When West Indies took the crease, things looked shaky at first, but Brandon King, finally hitting his stride in Tests, dug in with his maiden half-century. His 75 set the base, and thanks to some fighting punches from the lower order, West Indies managed a hard-earned 253. Not exactly level, but close enough to keep the pressure alive.
Nathan Lyon reminded everyone why he's still Australia's main spin threat, collecting 3 for 75, keeping the West Indies in check during the middle and lower order partnerships. Pat Cummins, as crafty as ever, picked off Shai Hope—the key wicket many West Indies fans dreaded. At that stage, it felt like Australia held the upper hand, with their bowlers squeezing every ounce out of the pitch and scoreboard.
Jayden Seales Ignites the Contest, Australia Left Reeling
But just as the day seemed to be winding down in Australia’s favor, Jayden Seales stormed in to rip the match wide open. With only a slim 33-run deficit, Australia's second innings got off to a nightmare start. Seales struck twice, knocking out both openers with deadly accuracy. The scoreboard read a shaky 12 for 2 at stumps, with Australia’s calm confidence replaced by a creeping anxiety. Their lead—just 45—suddenly looks fragile.
Moments like this are what West Indies cricket is all about—unpredictable, explosive, and suddenly full of hope. The packed Grenadian crowd, subdued for stretches, found their voices as Seales' sharp pace and movement cut into Australia’s famed top order. It’s now on the Australian middle order, bruised by the early blows, to nurse the innings back to life under immense pressure.
This Test has swung back and forth: Australia's bowlers were clinical, yet West Indies found runs through resilience; then West Indies' bowlers brought fire under the setting sun. Heading into Day 3, the battle lines are drawn. One thing is certain—the West Indies aren't just making up the numbers. If their bowlers keep up the pressure and the pitch continues to play tricks, we might just have a real Test classic on our hands.