The Australian Cricket Team inch closer to victory as they ended day 2 of the 1st test match against West Indies in a commanding position played at Adelaide Oval on 18th January 2024. Starting on the overnight score of 59 for 2, Australia lost an early wicket of Cameron Green with a lovely delivery by Greaves. Travis Head came to the crease with an attacking mindset putting pressure on the West Indies bowling.
The hosts lost two more quick wickets of Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh to put Australia in some trouble. Head looked in decent touch putting the bad deliveries away for boundaries. Australia went into the lunch break at 144 for 5. After the lunch break, Head looked impressive and completed his fifty off 77 deliveries. Australia lost another big wicket of Alex Carey.
The explosive left-handed batter showed intent putting enough pressure on West Indies bowling not allowing them to settle. He was simply harsh on the loose deliveries making life tough for the visitors. Debutant Shamar Joseph got a big wicket of Mitchell with a lovely delivery caught by Chanderpual at short leg. Starc and Head added 54 runs for the 7th wicket.
Travis Head showed intent against Jospeh keeping the lead growth for Australia. He completed his 7th Test century off 122 deliveries. After his century, Head continued to put pressure on West Indies bowling with an attacking mindset and was eventually dismissed with a stunning catch by Hodge at the boundary.
Head scored quickfire 119 off 134 deliveries with 12 fours and 3 sixes that helped Australia end the 2nd session in a comfortable situation. The hosts ended the 2nd session at 260 for 8. Nathan Lyon was dropped at slips in the first over after the tea break. He was given out by the umpire but on review, the decision was overturned to not out. Australia were bowled out for 283 in their first innings with a lead of 95 runs.
Josh Hazlewood rattled the West Indies batting line-up getting wickets of Tangerine Chanderpaul, Kraigg Braithwaite, Alick Athanaze, and Kavem Hodge to leave them in big trouble. Joshua Da Sliva and Justin Greaves added important runs before Lyon got rid of Greaves with a review.
The umpire gave it not out but on review, the decision was overturned to out. Australia ended day 2 in a strong position still leading by 22 runs with 4 wickets remaining.
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