Grenada, 6 July (H.S.): Australia appears on track to keep the Frank Worrell Trophy, finishing the rain-affected third day at Grenada’s National Cricket Stadium with 7-221, leading by 254 runs. Alex Carey (26*) and captain Pat Cummins (4*) remain not out. Following a top-order collapse, Steve Smith and Cameron Green formed a crucial 93-run partnership, pushing Australia forward despite losing wickets late in the day, leaving the West Indies facing a tough fourth-innings chase on a challenging pitch with unpredictable bounce.
The day's play was interrupted early due to rain, delaying the start for 50 minutes. Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon fell quickly upon resumption, edging an outswinger from Alzarri Joseph for just 8 runs, leaving Australia at 3-28. Smith and Green then stabilized the innings, taking advantage of the softened Dukes ball to combat the West Indies’ pace attack.
Smith, who returned from injury, faced a tough first ball but recovered quickly, scoring heavily against Shamar Joseph. Another rain delay occurred in the afternoon, but the pair continued their partnership with Green reaching his half-century off 122 balls before getting out on the next delivery, frustrated by his dismissal. Smith hit his fifty off just 79 balls, accelerating once Travis Head joined him. They added 58 runs before Smith fell LBW for 71 after a review confirmed the decision.
West Indies' Justin Greaves played a vital role, dismissing Beau Webster (2) shortly after taking Smith's wicket and then bowled Shamar Joseph, removing Head for 39 with a low delivery. Despite the setbacks, Carey and Cummins saw through to stumps without further loss as light issues ended the day's play early. The match resumes Sunday at 11:45 PM AEST.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
