Australia is on course to set a challenging target for West Indies in the Grenada Test.
Batting at the much-discussed No. 3 position, Cameron Green finally registered his first fifty, while Steve Smith found form again after an injury layoff. Together, they helped Australia recover from early trouble and steer the innings forward. However, regular strikes from the West Indies bowlers kept the contest alive. By the end of the third day, Australia had stretched their lead past 250.
At stumps, Australia were 221 for 7—leading by 254 runs—with three wickets in hand.
While the lead might not look massive on paper, considering the conditions, pitch behavior, and the low-scoring trend of the series, it already poses a steep challenge for the hosts.
Australia began the third day on 12 for 2. Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (8) didn’t last long, falling to Alzarri Joseph. That brought Green and Smith together at the crease.
Green’s promotion to No. 3 has sparked plenty of debate in Australian cricket, especially after five consecutive failures in that spot. But this time, he delivered with a gritty fifty—reaching the milestone off 122 balls—only to fall on the very next delivery, trying to cut Shamar Joseph. Visibly frustrated, he trudged back to the dressing room after scoring 52.
Their partnership was worth 93 runs.
Smith, returning from injury, had scored just 3 in the first innings, but this time looked composed even in tough conditions. He brought up his fifty in 79 balls and added another solid stand—this time with Travis Head. The pair kept the scoreboard ticking with fluent strokeplay.
After tea, Justin Greaves struck twice to swing momentum. First, he ended Smith’s knock of 71 (7 fours, 1 six), breaking a 58-run stand. Then, in his very next over, he removed Beau Webster for just 2.
Travis Head, who looked in good touch, was clean bowled by a brilliant delivery from Shamar Joseph after scoring 39.
However, Alex Carey held firm and remains unbeaten, keeping Australia’s hopes alive for a bigger lead. With skipper Pat Cummins at the crease and Mitchell Starc still to come, the Aussies will look to push the lead even further on day four.
Brief Scores
Australia 1st Innings: 286
West Indies 1st Innings: 253
Australia 2nd Innings: 221/7 in 64.3 overs (Green 52, Smith 71, Head 39, Carey 26*, Lyon 8, Webster 2; Seales 2/29, Shamar 2/54, Alzarri 1/42, Greaves 2/22)
