'Don't Think Wicket Is Going To...': Steve Smith Hopes Australia Extend Lead To 300
Half-centuries by Steve Smith and Cameron Green transformed Australia's precarious situation into a commanding position against the West Indies on day three of the second Test on Saturday. Australia, leading 1-0 in the three-Test series, regained control by recovering its second innings from 12/2 at the start of the day to 221/7 at stumps, securing a substantial lead of 254 runs.
With the pitch often playing tricks and shooting low, Australia felt confident about setting a target beyond the West Indies' reach.
'We are in a nice spot," Smith said. 'I don't think the wicket is going to get any better; it will probably do a few more tricks. The new ball is going to be pretty crucial for us. Hopefully, we can get the lead up to somewhere around 300."
Australia struggled to score 209 runs in 58.3 overs amidst three delays due to showers, which resulted in nearly two hours of lost play. When stumps were called due to bad light, Alex Carey was on 26 off 27 balls with captain Pat Cummins on 4.
But they were in control.
Smith joined Green after nightwatchman Nathan Lyon held out for nine overs to reach 8.
The first ball Smith faced from Alzarri Joseph struck his right glove. Inside the glove was the pinkie finger he dislocated in the World Test Championship final last month, which had sidelined him from the first Test in Barbados.
'It was not ideal getting hit on the finger, but it feels all right," Smith said. 'It is that kind of surface. Some can shoot up; you might have to take a few on the hands."
Green resumed the day on 6 and soon surpassed his highest score at No. 3 in the order, 15. After lunch, his fifth boundary earned him 50 off 122 balls.
However, he was dismissed next ball, edging Shamar Joseph onto his stumps. Green ended on 52, concluding a 93-run partnership with Smith.
Smith's sixth boundary brought up his 50 in 79 balls.
He and Travis Head guided Australia to tea with a lead of 208.
But shortly after, Smith was trapped by Justin Greaves. Smith reviewed, but it showed the ball hitting his pad in front of off stump. His 71 off 119 balls included seven boundaries and a six off Roston Chase over long-off.
Greaves also dismissed Beau Webster for 2, but Head and Carey boosted the total with a 31-run surge before Head's off stump was bowled by Shamar Joseph on 39.
With AP Inputs
Location :
Grenada
First Published:
July 06, 2025, 08:27 IST
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