Australia retain Frank Worrell Trophy with comprehensive victory over West Indies

St George’s: Australia’s 30-year domination of the Frank Worrell Trophy has continued with another comfortable series win after a West Indies capitulation on day four in Grenada left Pat Cummins’ men hungry for a series whitewash in Jamaica.

Australia now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the final Test in Kingston, after a rapid West Indies collapse exposed the gulf between the teams once again. Australia’s bowling unit, led by Mitchell Starc (3-24) and Nathan Lyon (3-42), dismantled the hosts in 34.3 overs on a pitch that offered plenty of assistance as the match wore on.

“Away wins are not the easiest to come by,” Cummins told reporters after the 133-run win that was all over before tea. “Really pumped with how we bounced back after Lord’s [loss to South Africa]. Two from two gets us into the [World Test Championship] cycle and we’ve played some really good cricket.”

While the West Indies’ bowlers have shown glimpses of promise throughout the series, their batting has unravelled repeatedly. In a telling statistic, fast bowler Shamar Joseph (110 runs for the series) is within striking distance of finishing as his side’s leading run-scorer, only 10 runs behind Brandon King.

Bereft of a generational figure like Viv Richards or Brian Lara, the West Indies have lacked the depth and discipline to seriously challenge a well-drilled Australian outfit.

Australia, seven wickets down at stumps, only lasted another seven overs on day four to be bowled out for 243, with a lead of 276.

“We knew once we got to anything over 200 we were happy,” Cummins said. “Once we got 250, 275 [in front] we felt really in the box seat.”

When West Indies opener John Campbell was trapped in front for a second ball duck against Josh Hazlewood, the beginning of another collapse was imminent.

Only captain Roston Chase (34 off 41 balls) showed any meaningful resistance, as the home side folded for 143 – handing Australia a comfortable victory and a day off to explore the beautiful Caribbean island.

Lyon snared the final wicket of the Test with a superb caught and bowled effort that went high in the air.

Australia’s Alex Carey was named player of the match after scores of 63 and 30.

“I feel really lucky that we’ve got ‘Kez’ [Carey] in our side,” Cummins said.

The West Indies have had six worse fourth innings efforts against Australia in Tests, including an all-out 51 in 19.1 overs in 1999 after being set 364 to win in Trinidad.

After a surprise defeat in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, Cummins said he was pleased with the group’s ability to rebound and maintain their unbeaten record in the Caribbean, which stretches back to 2003.

There remains concerns around Australia’s top order. Usman Khawaja and teenager Sam Konstas both failed to make meaningful contributions in Grenada, though Cummins signalled Konstas would keep his place for the final Test.

His advice to the 19-year-old after scores of 25 and 0?

“Don’t get too caught up in it,” Cummins said. “Every innings feels like the biggest thing in the world. The stat is that the best batters in the world don’t hit their average three out of four times, so you’re going to fail more often than you’re going to succeed. As long as you’re a quick learner, as long as you’re moving well and giving yourself the best chance, keep doubling down on that and judge yourself after a series, not innings by innings.

“I think for anyone who’s starting out their Test career, you’re picked for a reason. It’s just about concentrating on what makes you a really good player.”

Australia will now turn their attention to a day-night Test in Kingston, beginning Saturday (4.30am on Sunday AEST), which also marks their final five-day hit-out before the Ashes in November.

“My experience in pink ball [games] in Australia is you never quite know what you’re going to get,” Cummins said. “Things can change really quickly. As a bowler, maybe swing comes into it a bit more.”

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