Windies' big Gabba chance after rollicking day two

By: Murray Wenzel Time published 2024-01-26 at 10:59 PM (GMT +11:00)

In all sorts at 5-54, Australia staged a dramatic day two recovery before Pat Cummins declared 22 runs behind and West Indies lost a wicket in the final over.

Pat Cummins of Australia.
Pat Cummins of Australia.

AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES, Second Frank Worrell Trophy Test, Gabba, day two.

SCORE: West Indies (311 and 1-13) lead Australia (9dec-289) by 35 runs with nine wickets in hand.

CROWD: 29,216

SUMMARY: West Indies' tail wagged then they ran riot with the ball, Steve Smith and Cameron Green among the victims as Australia sunk to 5-54. It could have been worse if Alex Carey's off bail had dislodged, instead of spun in its groove, when Shamar Joseph cut one through him. Carey, Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins then counter-punched to get within 22 before declaring to give Australia's bowlers a chance with a new ball under lights.

PLAYER OF THE MOMENT: Kevin Sinclair's memorable debut began with a confident 50, continued with a diving catch in the slips and ended with a somersaulting-backflip wicket celebration when he found the edge of Khawaja's bat.

STAT OF THE DAY: 31.85. Steve Smith's average this summer after he was out for six in the first over of Australia's innings.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I know he'd feel very, very proud ... this one is for him," Sinclair dedicated his busy debut to grandad Carlton, who taught him the game on a concrete strip next to his modest childhood home.