Star Metro - Webster and Carey again steady Australia in West Indies

Less than a week after their century stand in the second innings of the first Test in Barbados paved the way to a 159-run victory, the sixth-wicket pairing put on 99 unbroken before the break after the dismissal of Travis Head by Shamar Joseph just after lunch reduced the visitors to 110 for five.

Carey, who survived a difficult chance to wicketkeeper Shai Hope off Anderson Phillip just before the break, reached tea on 51. Webster, upright and elegant in his strokeplay, was on 43.

Both players sought to score at every opportunity and rode their moments of luck, putting West Indies on the back foot in a session which produced 116 runs for one wicket.

After Australia captain Pat Cummins had opted to bat first the tourists lost three wickets for three runs midway through the morning session.

Following an opening stand of 47, Usman Khawaja was trapped leg-before by Alzarri Joseph. Then Sam Konstas drove at Phillip, playing his first Test for 18 months, to offer Hope a straightforward catch.

Steve Smith, who missed the first Test while recovering from the finger injury sustained in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's three weeks earlier, promptly miscued a pull at Joseph and was held by Phillip inches from the long-leg boundary.

Head joined Cameron Green at 50 for three and the pair took Australia almost to the lunch interval. Green fell for 26 to Jayden Seales via a catch at gully by West Indies captain Roston Chase.

Both teams made one change from the first Test.

Phillip replaced left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican for West Indies. Smith came in at the expense of Josh Inglis.

Former West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite is playing his 100th Test match, the tenth West Indian to reach that landmark.

This is also the 99th Test for Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who is nine away from 400 Test wickets.

Y.X. Gagnon--SMC