Smith and Green Half-Centuries Put Australia in Control on Rain-Hit Day in Grenada

Australia tightened their grip on the second Test against West Indies at the National Stadium in Grenada, thanks to composed half-centuries from Steven Smith and Cameron Green. Despite a rain-disrupted third day, which saw only 58.3 overs bowled, Australia extended their lead to 254 runs with three wickets still in hand, reaching 221 for 7 at stumps in their second innings.

Resuming on a precarious 12 for 2, Australia were steadied by a crucial 93-run partnership between Smith and Green for the fourth wicket. On a tricky surface offering inconsistent bounce, both batters showed composure and discipline, capitalising once the ball softened.

Smith, battling a lingering finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship final, played a fluent innings of 71 filled with trademark drives. His knock came to a surprising end shortly after tea when he was adjudged lbw to part-time seamer Justin Greaves, with the ball brushing his pad before hitting the bat—confirmed by DRS. His dismissal denied the series its first century, despite his near-flawless technique on a challenging pitch.

Green, promoted to No. 3, brought up his first half-century in that position with a textbook straight drive. His joy, however, was short-lived as he chopped on the very next ball, visibly frustrated as he threw his bat to the ground. Still, it marked a positive step for the 25-year-old, who had failed to capitalise on starts in previous innings.

Greaves played a surprising but vital role for West Indies, removing both Smith and Beau Webster in quick succession to keep the hosts in the contest. After a third rain interruption, Shamar Joseph struck a critical blow by bowling Travis Head with an angled delivery from around the wicket.

With Head gone for a brisk 20 and light deteriorating, Alex Carey took charge late in the day, looking to push Australia’s lead beyond West Indies' comfort zone. West Indies had earlier suggested confidence chasing anything under 200, but they now face a much steeper challenge.

The surface continued to produce variable bounce throughout the day, though batters found scoring slightly easier once the ball aged. Green, for instance, survived an early low-bouncing delivery that shot past for four byes. Smith also survived a nasty blow on the glove from his first ball faced—an Alzarri Joseph lifter that tested his injured finger.

Smith adapted by minimizing his movements at the crease and soon found rhythm with elegant boundaries off Shamar Joseph. His half-century came from 79 balls, and he later dispatched Roston Chase’s spin for six, indicating a readiness to accelerate before his dismissal stalled Australia’s momentum.

Earlier, Nathan Lyon—who had joked pre-play about Smith wanting him to retire—added a few stoic runs before edging to third slip after a rain delay. He had partnered with Green during the morning’s slow progress after Jayden Seales had removed both openers late on day two.

At the close, Carey remained key for Australia, with bowlers hoping he can stretch the lead beyond 300 on a surface where every run could prove crucial.

Scores:
Australia 286 & 221/7 (Smith 71, Green 52, Greaves 2-22)
West Indies 253 (King 75, Campbell 40, Lyon 3-75)
Australia lead by 254 runs.