Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

Ruthless Australia Downs West Indies, Takes Unassailable Series Lead

Australia asserted their dominance yet again in Grenada, clinching a comprehensive 133-run victory over West Indies to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Test series. On a tricky surface at the National Cricket Stadium, the visitors showcased their depth and composure, crushing the West Indies batting lineup inside 35 overs on Day 4.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon combined forces to dismantle the West Indies’ second-innings resistance, ensuring Australia remained unbeaten in the Caribbean this series. Despite some individual brilliance from West Indies’ young bowlers like Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, the hosts were unable to stop the Australian juggernaut.

Early Strikes Set the Tone

Resuming on 221/7, Australia managed to add just 22 more runs before being bowled out for 243. Shamar Joseph struck early, removing Pat Cummins and the in-form Alex Carey in quick succession. Alzarri Joseph wrapped up the tail, dismissing Josh Hazlewood to end the innings.

Even though Australia’s lead did not grow significantly, it proved more than sufficient given the pitch’s uneven bounce and low carry. The target of 277 was always going to be a steep ask for the fragile West Indian batting order.

Hazlewood and Starc Rip Through the Top Order

Australia wasted no time making inroads. Josh Hazlewood struck in just his fourth delivery, trapping John Campbell lbw with a classic nip-backer. Mitchell Starc then had Keacy Carter nicking behind to wicketkeeper Carey.

Despite a brief counterattack by Brandon King, who played some attractive strokes early on, West Indies continued to stumble. Kraigg Brathwaite’s departure, courtesy of Beau Webster, further deepened the crisis.

Pat Cummins, relentless as ever, produced a beauty to clean up King, reducing West Indies to a precarious 33/4 before lunch. The top-order collapse left the hosts with a mountain to climb.

Brief Fightback, But Australia Holds Firm

Shai Hope and Roston Chase tried to stabilize the innings after lunch, taking on the bowlers and finding the occasional boundary. However, Hazlewood’s change of ends paid immediate dividends as he removed Hope, breaking the budding partnership.

Roston Chase followed soon after, leaving the lower order exposed. While the tailenders—Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales—launched a few lusty blows, hitting six sixes between them, it was too little, too late. Their brief resistance only delayed the inevitable.

Lyon Mops Up the Tail

Australia turned to their most experienced spinner, Nathan Lyon, to finish off proceedings. Lyon accounted for the final three wickets, dismissing the lower-order batters with ease.

The West Indies were eventually bowled out for a mere 143, handing Australia a dominant win. The entire innings lasted fewer than 35 overs, underscoring the Australian bowlers’ ruthlessness.

Australia’s Bowlers Shine as Batting Holds Steady

While the bowlers stole the spotlight, Australia’s batters also played key roles. Steve Smith’s composed 71 in the second innings and Alex Carey’s gritty first-innings 63 gave the visitors enough runs to defend.

On the bowling front, Hazlewood and Starc claimed vital wickets with the new ball, while Lyon’s consistency wrapped up the tail. Pat Cummins’ leadership and timely breakthroughs kept the West Indies under constant pressure. The pace trio combined with Lyon to showcase why Australia remains one of the most complete Test sides in world cricket.

Take Away

Australia’s victory in Grenada highlighted their relentless efficiency in Test cricket. Even on a pitch that wasn’t ideal for fast bowling, their attack found ways to exploit any assistance. The West Indies, on the other hand, showed glimpses of potential through players like Brandon King and Shamar Joseph but lacked the consistency to trouble the visitors over five days.

With the series now beyond West Indies’ reach, Australia will look to continue their winning ways and potentially test their bench strength in the final match. For the West Indies, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek answers to their recurring batting collapses.

Catch up on all the action from the series opener in our detailed 1st Test analysis