Webster, Carey rescue Australia after top order collapse and Green brain fade

St George’s: Beau Webster and Alex Carey once again navigated Australia to safety against West Indies after another alarming top order collapse and a brain fade from Cameron Green on the last ball before lunch on the opening day of the second Test.

By stumps on Thursday (Friday morning AEST), Australia had been bowled out for 286 in 66.5 overs, with Webster (60) and Carey (63) the visitors’ saviours on a rain-interrupted first day in Grenada.

Australia’s bowlers were ready to bowl at the West Indies but bad light ended play early without the home side facing a ball.

With Australia on the ropes at 5-110, the West Indies needed to land a killer blow but much like the first Test in Bridgetown, were unable to rip through a tenacious Australian middle order that continues to prop up the team’s stars at the top.

Carey oozed class and produced immaculate timing en route to his sixth Test score in the 60s before chipping a ball to mid-wicket to leave Australia at 6-222.

Webster hung around with the tail and brought up his fourth Test half century from nine innings to maintain a very healthy overall average of 45.62. His introduction to the Test cricket has been seamless and seriously impressive after a decade of hard graft in the Sheffield Shield.

Faint hopes of Webster (60) reaching a maiden Test century ended when the Tasmanian ran himself out in selfless fashion when trying to race back for a second run while trying to keep the strike with Nathan Lyon at the other end.

“Probably not my best work coming back for a second. I thought I was Usain Bolt there for a minute and I was halfway down the wicket,” Webster said. “I would love to have gone on with it there. Hopefully it doesn’t cost us.”

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia had a golden chance to pile on the runs in their quest for a 2-0 series win.

Things were going beautifully through Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja, with Australia at 0-47 and in complete control.

What ensued was a calamitous period as Australia lost 3-3 in 15 balls.

Khawaja (16) was unable to overturn his lbw decision to Alzarri Joseph, while Konstas tried to drive Anderson Phillip, the West Indies’ new pace bowler, to the cover boundary but got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Shai Hope.

When Steve Smith was well caught at fine leg by Phillip for three in his comeback match from a nasty finger injury, Australia were in strife 3-50.

With five balls remaining until the lunch interval, Green was dropped at short cover by John Campbell in inexcusable fashion.

Instead of regathering his composure, Green chased a wide ball and edged to gully for 26 on the final ball of the session, leaving Australia precariously placed at 4-93.

It was an ugly dismissal, given the context of the match, and particularly so for a batsman with scores of 4, 0, 3 and 15 since the World Test Championship final.

When Travis Head was caught sharply by Hope for 29 off the bowling of Shamar Joseph, the tourists were on shaky ground at 5-110.

Webster and Carey then steadied the ship by putting on 112 runs for the sixth wicket.

Both look so assured in their game and made the most of a ball that lost its swing and bowlers who started fading in warm conditions as the day went on.

Pat Cummins’ was bowled for 17 by a ball that kept low, which will excite the captain and Australia’s quicks on a pitch that could play further tricks.

The performance once again shines a light on Australia’s top order. This year, Australia’s first three partnerships in each innings have averaged just 26.53 runs per wicket. That is well down on the team’s returns of 2022 (45.94), 2023 (39.64) and 2024 (27.82).

It is why Australia love the security of Head coming in at No.5.

With David Warner retired and Marnus Labuschagne out of the side, a lack of runs from the team’s engine room is a concern just over four months out from the Ashes.

Alzarri Joseph (4-61 from 10) was the pick of the West Indian bowlers.

Webster believes Australia are in a decent position and said the childhood dream of wearing a baggy green is not getting old.

“The wicket is still offering enough. [286] I think was a relatively good day,” Webster said. “I’m having a really good time. It’s bloody fun playing for Australia and winning games of cricket.”

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