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Carey and Webster Stabilize Australia After Top-Order Collapse in Second Test Against West Indies
Australia Reach 286 After Middle-Order Revival at Gabba
Australia ended Day 1 of the second Test against West Indies with a total of 286, thanks to a vital sixth-wicket stand between Alex Carey and Beau Webster. After losing the toss, the hosts were inserted into bat and faced immediate setbacks on a surface offering variable bounce. West Indies dominated the first and final sessions, but it was the afternoon partnership between Carey and Webster that gave Australia a respectable total.
Although West Indies openers padded up to begin their innings, bad light halted play before the second innings could commence.
Early Momentum Lost as Top-Order Crumbles
A Promising Start Followed by Rapid Collapse
Australia made a positive start with openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja adding 47 runs for the first wicket. However, the innings quickly unraveled.
Khawaja was trapped leg-before-wicket by Alzarri Joseph for 16, and Konstas followed shortly after, edging one to the keeper off Anderson Phillip for 25. The early dismissals put pressure on the middle order.
Steve Smith, promoted up the order again, failed to make an impact. Attempting to pull Joseph, he mistimed and was caught at deep square leg for just 3. Cameron Green tried to stabilize the innings but edged Jayden Seales to gully for 26 right before lunch, leaving Australia struggling at 93 for 4.
Carey and Webster Counterattack in Afternoon Session
The momentum shifted after lunch as Travis Head tried to inject some runs with his aggressive approach. He scored 29 off 34 balls but was dismissed by Shamar Joseph, caught behind after a close review confirmed a low take by Shai Hope.
At 110 for 5, Australia were reeling, but Alex Carey and Beau Webster combined for a 112-run partnership, the highlight of Australia’s innings. Carey batted with fluency, showcasing solid strokeplay and quick running between wickets. He survived an early drop by Hope and capitalized on it, making 63 off 81 deliveries before mistiming a pull off Justin Greaves straight to Kraigg Brathwaite at mid-wicket.
Beau Webster held one end firmly, showing resilience against both pace and spin. He scored a valuable 60 from 115 balls, but was unfortunately run out while attempting a second run in a bid to shield the tailenders.
📎 Related: Check out Alex Carey’s Test career stats and recent performances
Alzarri Joseph Leads West Indies Bowling with Four Wickets
Late Session Collapse Restricts Australia
Following the dismissal of Webster, Australia’s tail offered little resistance. Captain Pat Cummins was bowled by a delivery that stayed low from Alzarri Joseph, showing the inconsistent bounce of the pitch.
Mitchell Starc edged Seales behind for 6, and Nathan Lyon gloved a short delivery to the keeper, giving Alzarri his fourth wicket of the innings and wrapping up the Australian innings at 286.
The day ended without a ball being bowled in the second innings, as bad light forced early stumps. West Indies will resume Day 2 with all ten wickets in hand and a chance to build a strong response.
Despite early setbacks and a top-order failure, Australia found heroes in Alex Carey and Beau Webster, whose disciplined partnership ensured the team reached a competitive total of 286. Alzarri Joseph’s sharp spells, combined with consistent bowling from Seales and Phillip, kept West Indies in control for most of the day. With a strong platform laid and a fresh day ahead, West Indies will aim to build momentum and potentially take the lead in this gripping Test series.
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