A masterful knock from Steve Smith and a timely return to form by Cameron Green have placed Australia firmly in charge of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada. At stumps on a rain-affected third day, Australia had extended their lead to 254 runs, reaching 7-221 before bad light ended play prematurely.
Alex Carey (26) and captain Pat Cummins (4) were at the crease when the umpires abandoned play, with Australia set to capitalize on their position and clinch a series victory.
Then, after a shaky beginning – the visitors were in disarray at 2-12 after the late-day-two departures of openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja – it was Smith and Green who stabilized the innings. Smith fashioned a steady 71, and Green, batting at No.3, compiled a much-needed 52 – his first half-century since his return from a prolonged injury break.
Green, 26, has struggled with the bat since returning from a serious back injury that kept him out for more than a year. Arriving at the match, he had scored just 48 runs in his last five Test innings. But on Saturday, he appeared more comfortable, resisting challenging conditions before being bowled straight away after reaching his fifty.
“I’ve scored at No.4 for WA, so one position up isn’t that much different,” Green said after the match. “Hopefully today’s effort is the indication that things are going in the right direction. You always require that one hit to get back into the rhythm – hopefully this was the one.”
Smith, back from a dislocated finger picked up three weeks ago, dominated all through his time at the crease. Although he missed what would have been a 37th Test century – caught lbw by Justin Greaves off 71 – his innings was an indication of his class in trying conditions.
“Smith was batting on a different wicket,” Green stated of his teammate. “It was obviously a hard pitch, but he seemed a class above.”
Smith’s courage did not escape the attention of fans, and many have been showering him with praise. One Twitter user posted, “Steven Smith had his finger dislocated two weeks ago. Comes back and scores 70 on a minefield. Greatness personified.” Another wrote, “He’s playing this knock with a broken finger – what a legend!
Travis Head scored a swift 39 but was again undone by Shamar Joseph, who had bowled him out in the first innings as well.
Earlier during the day, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon performed admirably in absorbing deliveries and taking the edge off the new ball, coming close to Green through a defining first session. Lyon remained at the crease for close to two hours, receiving 33 balls before being caught by John Campbell off Alzarri Joseph.
His dogged resistance gave Green some time to find his feet, and the all-rounder took his chance to steady the innings and weather the tough conditions.
Australia are looking to secure a series victory at the National Stadium in St George’s – a ground where they’re hosting their inaugural Test. With the pitch providing ample assistance to the bowlers and a lead nearing 300, Cummins’ side will have faith in defending whatever total they can manage.
