Bowlers Steal the Show as Windies-Australia Test Turns into a Low-Scoring Thriller

15 wickets tumble on dramatic second day in Kingston as Australia edge ahead

Under the dusky glow of Kingston’s Sabina Park floodlights, cricket lovers were treated to a second day that swung wildly between drama and devastation. Australia now hold a slender 181-run lead with just four second-innings wickets remaining, after 15 wickets fell in a single day of this gripping day-night Test match against the West Indies.

It’s been a series dominated by the tourists, who arrived in Jamaica with an unassailable 2-0 lead. But if the Windies have lacked firepower in the previous two Tests, they found renewed bite under lights on Sunday — just when it looked like the game might be slipping away.

The surface offered everything a bowler could wish for, and both teams took full advantage of the conditions. While Australia’s seamers did the early damage by rolling the hosts for 143, the West Indies pace attack responded in kind, leaving the Aussies tottering at 99-6 by stumps in their second dig.

Australia strike early as Boland makes his mark

Resuming their innings on 16-1 in reply to Australia’s first-innings 225, the Windies would have hoped to post a respectable total and maybe even secure a slim lead. Instead, they endured a collapse all too familiar for their fans in recent years — losing seven wickets for just 61 runs.

Scott Boland, recalled for this Test to exploit the conditions with an extra seamer in place of Nathan Lyon, seized his opportunity with aplomb. The Victorian quick returned figures of 3-34 and was pivotal in breaking the back of the West Indies’ batting order. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with two wickets apiece, ensuring there was no respite for the hosts.

The Windies never quite found their footing, with opener John Campbell’s 36 being the only notable resistance. His dismissal — trapped plumb lbw by Boland without offering a shot — perfectly captured the mood of the innings: hesitant, unsure, and ultimately, undone by pressure.

A few bright sparks — including a breezy cameo from Alick Athanaze — weren’t enough to stop the visitors from establishing a crucial first-innings lead of 82.

West Indies roar back as Australia stumble again

West Indies pacemen reduce Australia to 99-6 in third test, an overall lead of 181

With the game seemingly under control, Australia began their second innings aiming to build a match-defining lead. Instead, what followed was an electrifying burst of fast bowling from the Windies’ young pace attack that breathed life into this Test and ignited the home crowd.

Shamar Joseph, who’s been a standout in this series, struck early to remove both openers — Sam Konstas and the dependable Usman Khawaja. Alzarri Joseph then took over, using the pink ball under lights to great effect, claiming 3-19 and rattling through Australia’s middle order.

From 13-2 to 78-6, Australia found themselves in danger of letting their hard-earned advantage slip away.

But Cameron Green, standing tall at number three, offered some much-needed resistance. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 42 at the close of play — a calm presence amid the chaos. Skipper Pat Cummins joined him at the crease late in the session, and the pair will resume on day three with their team delicately poised.

Day-night drama: When the lights shine, so do the quicks

There’s something about day-night Test matches that seems to amplify tension and unpredictability — especially when the pink ball is involved. Under lights, with just enough grass on the pitch and movement through the air, batters can find themselves in survival mode very quickly.

That was certainly the case in Kingston. The pitch, lively from ball one, only grew more treacherous as the sun dipped. Seam movement, extra bounce, and sharp nip off the surface made life miserable for both line-ups. And with every wicket, the crowd’s energy rose — especially as the West Indies sensed a comeback might just be possible.

It’s been a series where the batters have often been overshadowed by the brilliance of the bowlers, and this Test is following that same theme.

Green the glue, but can Australia stretch the lead?

Green’s composed knock was a reminder of his value in tricky situations. With wickets tumbling at the other end, he adjusted his game, reined in his attacking instincts, and focused on preservation. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective — and on this pitch, that’s worth gold.

The question now is: how far can he drag Australia ahead? The lead stands at 181, and on this surface, even another 30-40 runs could be invaluable. But with only four wickets in hand, the margin for error is slim.

Cummins has shown in the past that he can hang around, and with tailenders like Hazlewood and Boland still to come, Australia will be hoping they can cobble together enough runs to set a daunting target.

West Indies eye redemption

Despite being behind on the scoreboard, the West Indies will take confidence from their bowling performance. For the first time in this series, they’ve managed to pin Australia back in both innings. If their batters can hold their nerve on a tricky surface, there’s still a path to a famous win — and a chance to avoid a series whitewash.

Much will depend on how they start day three. If they can wrap up the Australian innings quickly and keep the target under 220, they’ll back themselves to chase it down — even on this challenging surface.

What’s next?

All eyes now turn to day three, where this compelling contest could take yet another twist. Can Green push Australia’s lead past 200? Will the Windies keep the pressure on and fight their way back into the series?

One thing’s certain — with the pitch playing tricks, the pink ball moving under the lights, and both bowling attacks in rhythm, we’re in for more high-stakes drama in Kingston.