Australia’s top-order batting frailties resurfaced as they were bowled out for 286 on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies at the National Stadium in St George’s.
Opting to bat first, the tourists slumped to 110-5, with the returning Steve Smith dismissed for just three runs. Smith, back in the side after recovering from a dislocated finger that ruled him out of the first Test, top-edged a pull shot off Alzarri Joseph to fine leg, triggering a collapse that saw Australia lose three wickets for just three runs.
Joseph was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-61, while Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph provided key breakthroughs. Smith’s dismissal came shortly after openers Usman Khawaja and teenage debutant Sam Konstas had put on 47 for the first wicket, only for both to fall without the addition of another run.
Cameron Green fell to the final ball before lunch, edging Seales to leave Australia reeling at 93-4. After a brief rain delay, Travis Head edged behind off Shamar Joseph for 29, with third umpire replays confirming Shai Hope’s sharp low catch.
Australia were steadied by a 112-run sixth-wicket partnership between all-rounder Beau Webster and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Webster, solid in defence, made a composed 60 off 115 deliveries before being run out attempting a risky second run to deep point. Carey, although scratchy at times and dropped on 46 by Hope, struck 10 boundaries and a six in his brisk 63 from 81 balls before chipping a catch to mid-wicket off Justin Greaves.
However, the lower order failed to build on the platform as the final five wickets fell for just 64 runs.
West Indies were set to begin their reply late in the day, but bad light prevented any further play.
Australia, who won the first Test by 159 runs despite another faltering top-order display, will be looking for a stronger bowling performance to counter their batting concerns on day two.