West Indies ended Day 2 on a strong note,having dominated all three sessions of play in the AUS vs WI 2nd Test at the Gabba in Adelaide. Despite an attempt to provide a strong fightback, Australia fell short of taking a lead and declared their first innings despite trailing the Windies by 22 runs. On stumps at Day 2, West Indies’ Kraig Brathwaite remained unbeaten as WI lead by 35 runs.
AUS vs WI: Windies dominate Day 2 at Gabba
The day started off on a miserable note for the hosts as Steve Smith had yet another poor outing as the side’s new opener. Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head were the next to follow as the pacer duo of Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph wreaked havoc on the top-order. Cameron Green failed to fire as well while Mitchell Marsh was also stopped short of converting a good start.
The day’s play saw Australia provide a fightback that came from three different quarters of the side. Usman Khawaja, who was the lone spectator at the popping crease as the top-order walked in and out, played a patient and gritty 75-run knock. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey enjoyed a good partnership with Khawaja, as he played a fighting 65-run knock as Australia attempted to exert dominance.
Skipper Pat Cummins was the source of contribution from the final quarter as he stayed unbeaten on 64 runs as the hosts made the move to declare. This knock was also Cummins’ highest Test score, coming at the right time for the team.
Cummins’ move to concede lead to get the West Indies batters to play under the lights can be branded as a strategic move. Having only under 20 minutes left to bowl at the start of the 2nd innings, Australia entered the field with the intention of ending the day on a high note and did so rightfully with a wicket off the final delivery of the day.
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