Aussies battle to 286 against Windies as top-order woes continue

Agency :

Steve Smith’s comeback did little to resolve Australia’s top-order troubles as the tourists were bowled out for 286 on Day One of the second Test, with Beau Webster and Alex Carey steering a vital middle-order fightback in Grenada on Thursday.

Webster emerged as Australia’s saviour after they slumped to 93-4 after electing to bat first, his patient knock providing the backbone of their recovery on a pitch that consistently troubled the batters at the National Cricket Stadium.

The all-rounder forged a crucial 112-run partnership with Carey (63) that dragged Australia to a respectable total.

Carey had been the early aggressor, steering Australia away from danger and reaching his second consecutive test fifty, before falling when he pulled Justin Greaves straight to mid-wicket.

Webster’s mature innings came to a disappointing end when he was run out attempting an impossible second, though his 60 from 115 balls showcased nerveless batting on a challenging surface.

“I was trying to keep the straight balls out, and then cash in when I could,” Webster said. “That was my game plan and I’m glad it helped me through.