AUS vs WI scorecard, 2nd Test, Day 3 highlights: Bowlers put Australia in Command as they need 156 to win

Australia were able to wrap up West Indies early on Day 3 for 193 runs and were set up a total of 216 runs to chase down in the fourth innings. The Aussies have a strong hold on the match with Steve Smith and Cameron Green present at the crease. Australia need 156 runs to win on Day 4.

After concluding Day 2 at 13/1, Kraigg Braithwaite and Kirk McKenzie added 50 runs for the second wicket off 74 balls while still batting. But Braithwaite was dismissed by Cameron Green after scoring 16 runs off 54 balls.

Australia bowlers put their team ahead in the second Test

STUMPS: We are set up beautifully for tomorrow! Australia need 156 more runs, West Indies eight wickets #AUSvWI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 27, 2024

Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze continued to develop the batting when skipper Kraigg Braithwaite left, adding 23 runs for the third wicket. But after making 41 runs off of 50 balls, McKenzie was forced to leave after Australian spinner Nathan Lyon caught him in front. Following McKenzie’s dismissal, Athanaze and Kavem Hodge set up a fourth-wicket stand of 37 runs off 96 balls, during which Athanaze played some good strokes.

Even though the West Indies batters were never given a chance to settle at the crease by the Australian bowlers, Alick Athanaze was bowled for 35 runs off 72 balls in one effort. Nathan Lyon struck again as Steve Smith took the catch. Travis Head also ran Kavem Hodge out for 29 runs off of 74 balls.

Joshua Da Silva soon followed in Kavem Hodge’s footsteps and was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for seven runs off of eight balls. After finishing 183/6 at Tea, West Indies led against Australia by 205 runs.

After continuing to bat after Tea, West Indies lost the remaining of their four wickets in a space of just 10 runs. West Indies were wrapped up for 193 runs in their first innings, giving Australia a target of 215 runs.

Shamar Joseph has to retire hurt after this toe-crusher from Mitch Starc!

Australia need 216 to win #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/3gAucaEfwg

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 27, 2024

Soon after the Tea break, Australia got rid of Justin Greaves, who was dismissed for 33 runs off 60 balls. Alex Carey took the catch and Josh Hazlewood struck for the second time in the innings. Alzarri Joseph was also removed for a duck just after the departure of Greaves. Kemar Roach was caught in front by Nathan Lyon for 1, whereas, Shamar Joseph was retired hurt for 3 runs.

Shamar Joseph faced a toe-crushing yorker from Mitchell Starc when on the fourth ball of the 73rd over, Starc hit the ball right on his shoe of Joseph. While the umpire gave it out, the decision was reviewed by the West Indies batter. However, in the replay, it was found that Starc overstepped the line and it was a no-ball. Despite surviving the dismissal, Joseph was in deep pain and was not able to bat further due to the toe crusher by Mitchell Starc. At last, Joseph had to walk back for 3 runs from 13 balls after getting retired hurt.

Australian bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon picked up 3 wickets each whereas, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green ended the innings with one wicket.

Australia were set up a target of 216 runs by West Indies to chase down in the fourth innings. West Indies struck early as they dismissed Australia opener Usman Khawaja for 10 runs off 17 balls. Alzarri Joseph continued his magic in the second innings as well. Marnus Labuschagne (5) as well was caught by Kevin Sinclair as Justine Greaves struck for the first time in the second innings.

At last, Australia ended Day 3 at 60/2, with Steve Smith and Cameron Green unbeaten on 33 and 9 runs respectively.

Brief Scores:

West Indies 1st innings: 311 (Joshua Da Silva 79, Mitchell Starc 4/82)

Australia 1st innings: 289/9 (Usman Khawaja 75, Alzarri Joseph 4/84)

West Indies 2nd innings: 193 (Kirk McKenzie 43, Josh Hazlewood 3/23)

Australia 2nd innings: 60/2 (Steve Smith 33, Alzarri Joseph 1/19)