WI vs AUS 2025, 2nd Test Review: King's fifty and lower-order resistance not enough as visitors hold slim lead
Australia were 12 for 2 at the end of Day 2, leading by 45 runs.
Australia wrapped up the West Indies’ first innings late on Day 2, but the visitors hit back by removing both the Windies openers before Stumps, setting up a tight third day in the Test.
West Indies began their innings on the morning of Day 2 with Kraigg Brathwaite, playing his 100th Test and John Campbell opening the batting. However, Australia struck early through Josh Hazlewood, who dismissed Brathwaite for a duck in just the second over. The momentum continued when captain Pat Cummins pulled off a stunning return catch to dismiss Keacy Carty, reducing the West Indies to early trouble.
At Lunch on Day 2, the visitors had reached 110 for 3. Hazlewood once again delivered immediately after the break, removing captain Roston Chase. A stabilizing partnership followed between Brandon King and Shai Hope, who added a 58-run stand for the fifth wicket. King went on to register his maiden Test half-century, scoring a fluent 75, before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon.
At Tea, West Indies were 185 for 7, with Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph at the crease. The duo showed resilience, putting together a valuable 51-run partnership for the eighth wicket which narrowed down the deficit. Ultimately, the hosts were bowled out for 253, giving Australia a slim lead of 33 runs.
In reply, the Aussies' second innings got off to a rocky start. Jayden Seales struck twice before the close of play, removing both openers, Usman Khawaja and youngster Sam Konstas. The inexperienced Konstas was attempting a backfoot shot through the off-side, dragging the ball onto his stumps. In Seales’ next over, Khawaja was caught on the crease and adjudged plumb in front of the pads. The left-hander also burnt a review in desperation.
With the new ball doing plenty at the end of the day, Cameron Green and nightwatcher Nathan Lyon navigated the final overs of the day. At stumps on Day 2, Australia were 12 for 2, with Green unbeaten on 6 and Lyon on 2.
Download Our App