Australia showcased their dominance on the fourth day in Grenada, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup to secure a 133-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Test series. Resuming their second innings at 221/7, Australia added just 22 runs before being bowled out, but their bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, ensured the modest lead was more than enough.
Early Strikes Set the Tone
The West Indies started the day brightly, with Shamar Joseph dismissing Australian captain Pat Cummins off the second ball, followed by Alex Carey’s lbw dismissal. Alzarri Joseph wrapped up the Australian innings by removing Hazlewood, leaving the hosts chasing a challenging target on a tricky, low-bouncing pitch.
Australia’s bowlers wasted no time asserting control. Hazlewood struck in the first over, trapping John Campbell lbw with a sharp nip-backer. Starc followed suit, inducing an edge from Keacy Carter, caught by Carey. Despite a brief flurry of boundaries from Brandon King, Beau Webster dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite, and Cummins removed King with a pinpoint delivery to leave West Indies reeling at 33/4.
Middle Order Falters, Lyon Seals the Deal
Post-lunch, Shai Hope and Roston Chase offered brief resistance with a few boundaries, but Hazlewood’s change of ends broke the partnership by dismissing Hope. Chase fell soon after, and with the top order dismantled, the West Indies’ hopes faded. Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales hit six sixes between them in a late show of defiance, but Nathan Lyon’s triple strike ensured the hosts were bowled out for 143 in just 35 overs.
Key Performances
Mitchell Starc (3/24) and Josh Hazlewood spearheaded Australia’s bowling attack, dismantling the West Indies top order.
Nathan Lyon (3/75) cleaned up the tail to seal the victory.
Alex Carey (63) and Steve Smith (71) played pivotal roles with the bat in Australia’s first and second innings, respectively.
Shamar Joseph (4/66) and Alzarri Joseph (4/61) were the pick of the West Indies bowlers, but their efforts couldn’t prevent the collapse.
Brief Scores
Australia 286 (Alex Carey 63; Alzarri Joseph 4/61) & 243 (Steve Smith 71; Shamar Joseph 4/66) beat West Indies 253 (Brandon King 75; Nathan Lyon 3/75) & 143 (Roston Chase 34; Mitchell Starc 3/24) by 133 runs.
Australia’s clinical performance in Grenada underscores their depth and resilience, while the West Indies will look to regroup ahead of their next challenge.
