Australia’s ongoing problems with their top-order came back as they were all out for 286 on the first day of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada. Even though Alex Carey and Beau Webster made a strong partnership, the home team was in control because of Alzarri Joseph’s impressive four wickets.
The bad light kept the West Indies from playing any balls, but they will begin day two feeling good.
[REPORT] Carey-Webster Show Rescues Aussies After Top-Order Collapse
Australia’s innings in Grenada felt like déjà vu — an early wobble followed by a defiant rescue act. Electing to bat, the visitors collapsed to 110 for 5 before Alex Carey (63) and Beau Webster (60) stitched together a gritty 112-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Their counterattack pushed Australia to a respectable 286, but once they departed, the lower order folded like dominoes. Yes, you heard that right — the last five wickets tumbled for just 64 runs.
What made this more than just another Test match scoreboard was the context: Australia are 1-0 up in the three-Test series, but their top-order frailty is beginning to resemble a recurring nightmare. For the West Indies, this was a morale-boosting day, especially with captain Kraigg Brathwaite celebrating his 100th Test cap.
Beau Webster continues to show his class with the bat 👏
Follow live 👉 https://t.co/K0mh6jFE4O #WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/a5xzSXOPAt
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 3, 2025
[UPDATE] Smith’s Return, Khawaja’s Fall & Joseph’s Fireball
Steve Smith’s comeback from a finger injury was anything but heroic. He misread Alzarri Joseph’s pace and top-edged a pull straight to fine leg — caught by Anderson Phillip. Smith had replaced Josh Inglis but lasted just a handful of balls, scoring 3.
It was Joseph’s electric spell in the morning that set the tone, scalping both Usman Khawaja and Smith as Australia lost three wickets for three runs. He returned 4 for 61 — figures that echoed with menace and marked his best return of the series.
Jayden Seales provided able support, grabbing 2 for 45, while Anderson Phillip, back in action after 18 months, got rid of debutant Sam Konstas. The report also stated Phillip replaced spinner Jomel Warrican — a decision that seemed to pay off immediately.
[TRENDING] The Partnership That Refused to Fold
After the top order was blown away, Carey and Webster’s sixth-wicket resistance turned into a silent protest — calm, calculated, and commanding. Carey was scratchy at times and even dropped on 46 by Shai Hope, but his 81-ball 63 was vital.
He hammered 10 fours and launched a six into the stands like a man with a mission.
Webster, more monk than maverick, batted with discipline and poise. His 60 off 115 balls included six fours and one six.
The only blot on his innings? A risky second run that saw him run out by Keacy Carty — a misjudgement that may have cost Australia a bigger total. Post-play, Webster admitted: “It was pretty simple really: keeping the straight balls out and trying to score when it was a bit wider or too straight… we back our bowlers 100%.”
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Brathwaite’s 100th & the Light That Saved the Hosts
Kraigg Brathwaite walked out for his 100th Test alongside John Campbell but didn’t face a delivery — poor light drew curtains on the day. A poetic pause to a chaotic day’s play.
Australia’s bowlers didn’t get the chance to test the Caribbean openers, but you can bet they’ll come out swinging tomorrow. With just 286 on the board, early wickets will be the key.
Australia’s 1st Innings Summary
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
| Alex Carey | 63 | 81 | 10 | 1 | Caught |
| Beau Webster | 60 | 115 | 6 | 1 | Run Out |
| Usman Khawaja | 23 | 58 | 3 | 0 | Bowled |
| Steve Smith | 3 | 11 | 0 | 0 | Caught |
| Cameron Green | 26.00 | 49 | 4 | 0 | Caught |
| Sam Konstas | 24 | 42 | 4 | 0 | Bowled |
| Total | 286 | – | – | – | All Out |
Amit Mishra’s Angle: The Good, The Flawed, The Fight
As a writer and die-hard cricket journalist and enthusiast:
Positives
- Carey and Webster’s partnership wasn’t just a scoreboard event — it was a statement of resilience under fire.
- Alzarri Joseph’s rhythm and seam control was at peak Caribbean pace.
Negatives
- Smith’s return fizzled out, raising fresh questions about his readiness.
- Australia’s lower order folded yet again — a troubling pattern for a side aiming to dominate.
