The West Indies are gearing up to face Australia in the second Test of their ongoing three-match series, with the match scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 3, at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada. After a hard-fought but ultimately disappointing result in the first Test at Kensington Oval, the Caribbean side, led by Roston Chase, will be keen to bounce back and level the series.
Australia currently leads the series 1-0, having secured a convincing 159-run victory in Barbados. The win was a testament to Australia’s depth and resilience, even though their top order struggled at times. Meanwhile, the West Indies showed flashes of brilliance but were let down by a lack of consistency in the crucial moments and some sloppy fielding that proved costly.
How the First Test Unfolded
In the first Test, the West Indies bowled well in patches, with Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales standing out. Shamar Joseph, who had already made headlines with his performances in Australia last year, continued to haunt the Aussie batters, picking up four wickets in the first innings and another four-for later. Seales provided great support, claiming five wickets as the Australians were bundled out for just 180. Travis Head’s crucial knock of 59 saved the visitors from complete disaster after they had slumped to 22 for 3.
With the bat, the West Indies showed grit in the first innings through Chase and Shai Hope, who scored 44 and 48, respectively, helping the hosts secure a slender 10-run lead. However, the real turning point came in Australia’s second innings. Despite losing early wickets again, half-centuries from Beau Webster, Alex Carey, and another impactful knock from Travis Head ensured that Australia put up a challenging target of 301 for the hosts.
The West Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure in the fourth innings, managing only 141 runs as Australia’s seamers, led by Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul, sealed the game comfortably.
Team Overviews and Key Players
The West Indies, under head coach Daren Sammy, have plenty to think about. Their bowling unit looks threatening with Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, while Alzarri Joseph’s pace can unsettle any lineup. However, their batting needs more application. Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope will be crucial at the top to provide stability, while the middle order must step up to avoid collapses.
Australia, captained by Pat Cummins, have reasons to be optimistic but not complacent. Their top order remains fragile, but the likely return of Steve Smith, who missed the first Test due to a finger injury, should bolster their batting lineup. Smith may not field in his usual slip position but his presence alone adds experience and class. Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc continue to be their key match-winners with bat and ball.
Probable Playing XI
West Indies:
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Kraigg Brathwaite
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John Campbell
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Keacy Carty
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Brandon King
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Roston Chase (C)
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Shai Hope (WK)
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Justin Greaves
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Alzarri Joseph
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Jomel Warrican
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Shamar Joseph
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Jayden Seales
Australia:
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Sam Konstas
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Usman Khawaja
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Cameron Green
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Travis Head
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Josh Inglis / Steve Smith
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Alex Carey (WK)
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Beau Webster
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Pat Cummins (C)
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Mitchell Starc
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Nathan Lyon
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Josh Hazlewood
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides share a long and storied rivalry. Out of 121 Tests played so far, Australia have won 62, West Indies 33, while 25 have ended in a draw and one was tied. Australia clearly have the upper hand historically, and their dominance continues in modern cricket.
National Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Grenada’s National Cricket Stadium has only hosted four Tests since 2002. The stats indicate that teams chasing in the fourth innings have won three times, suggesting the pitch can get better for batting as the game progresses, but this does not mean the seamers are out of the game. Early on, there will be plenty of movement for fast bowlers, so batters must be technically solid. Spinners might not have a significant role, making the contest a battle of disciplined pace bowling and patient batting.
Possible Scenarios & Match Prediction
If the West Indies can hold their catches and show more determination with the bat, they have the potential to put Australia under pressure. Shamar Joseph will be vital with the ball, and Kraigg Brathwaite’s experience up top will be crucial. On the other hand, Australia’s top order must click, and the returning Steve Smith could be the difference-maker. Expect Pat Cummins to rotate his pacers smartly, and Hazlewood and Starc could once again exploit any weakness in the Windies’ batting.
Prediction: Australia start as favourites due to their depth and the return of Smith, but a spirited West Indies side playing at home could surprise if they fix their fielding and batting frailties. Expect a competitive contest, but the visitors are more likely to seal the series here in Grenada.