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The second Test between West Indies and Australia at the National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada, has delivered high drama and shifting fortunes. After Australia posted a competitive 286 in their first innings, the West Indies found themselves under early pressure on Day 2, only to be rescued by the composed batting of John Campbell and the enterprising Brandon King. By stumps, the hosts had not only closed the gap but also put Australia on the back foot, setting up a tantalizing contest for the days ahead.
John Campbell’s composure and Brandon King’s command on Day 2
West Indies’ reply to Australia’s first-innings total began shakily. Kraigg Brathwaite, playing his 100th Test, fell for a duck, and Keacy Carty soon followed, leaving the hosts at 40/2. Amidst the early jitters, Campbell played with fluency and intent, stroking 40 from 52 balls, including five boundaries and a six. His aggressive approach helped West Indies recover from the initial blows and kept the scoreboard ticking.
Campbell’s dismissal, caught by Mitchell Starc off Beau Webster, brought King to the crease at a precarious 64/3. King, in only his second Test, displayed maturity beyond his years. He first stitched a vital 47-run stand with captain Roston Chase, guiding West Indies past 100. After Chase departed, King found another able partner in Shai Hope, and together they added 57 runs, with King reaching his maiden Test half-century in style. His innings of 75 off 108 balls, laced with eight fours and three sixes, was the backbone of the West Indies’ fightback.
King’s knock was not just about survival; it was about seizing momentum. He counterattacked when needed and showed patience against a probing Australian attack. Even after his dismissal at 169/6, the lower order, inspired by his resilience, managed to eke out crucial runs. Contributions from Alzarri Joseph (27) and Shamar Joseph (29) helped West Indies reach 253, trailing by just 33 runs.
Also WATCH: Pat Cummins plucks a one-handed stunner as match hangs in balance on Day 2 of second Test
A see-saw battle puts Australia under pressure in Grenada Test
Day 2 belonged to the West Indies for their grit and to Australia for their persistence. The morning saw the visitors’ bowlers—Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon—chipping away at the West Indies lineup. But every time Australia sensed a collapse, a West Indian batter, led by King, stood firm. The lower-order resistance was especially crucial, with Alzarri and Shamar adding 51 runs for the eighth wicket, frustrating the Australians and narrowing the deficit.
With only a 33-run lead, Australia’s openers faced a tricky 35-minute session before stumps. Seales made it a nightmare for the visitors, bowling Sam Konstas for a duck in the first over and trapping Usman Khawaja lbw for 2. Cameron Green and nightwatchman Lyon barely survived to stumps, as Australia finished Day 2 at 12/2, leading by just 45 runs.
Seales’ fiery spell (2-5 in 3 overs) and the relentless pressure from the West Indies bowlers left Australia reeling, their top order exposed and the match finely balanced. The hosts’ spirited comeback, anchored by Campbell and King, has set up a thrilling finish as both teams eye a decisive advantage in this crucial Test.
Day 2: Stumps – Australia lead by 45 runs 👉
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Also WATCH: Shai Hope’s one-handed stunner sends Travis Head packing on Day 1 of Grenada Test
