Australia Wrests Control from West Indies in Second Test Thanks to Smith, Green Resilience

Steve Smith's resilient innings and Cameron Green's composed half-century helped Australia regain control on a rain-affected third day against the West Indies. The visitors now hold a strong lead on a tricky pitch, aiming to seal the series 2-0.

Resuming at a precarious 12 for 2 in their second innings, Australia recovered to reach 221 for 7 at stumps on Saturday, stretching their lead to a commanding 254 runs. The surface continues to play unpredictable tricks, keeping low and offering variable bounce.

Steve Smith batting with determination. (AP Photo)

Key Highlights from Day 3:

• Steve Smith, returning from injury, scored a patient 71 runs.
• Cameron Green contributed a well-made 52 to put Australia in control.
• Australia recovered from 12 for 2 to reach 221 for 7 at stumps on Day 3.

Smith, returning to the playing XI after missing the first Test due to a finger injury, weathered the West Indian pace attack, compiling a patient 71 off 119 balls. His knock, which included seven boundaries and a six, formed the backbone of Australia’s resistance and revival.

Green, who resumed the day on 6, looked increasingly assured at No. 3 and brought up his half-century with his fifth boundary, a milestone he reached in 122 balls. However, he perished the very next delivery, chopping on against Shamar Joseph for a well-made 52, ending a crucial 93-run stand with Smith.

"It was not ideal getting hit on the finger, but it feels all right," Smith said after play. "It's that kind of surface. Some balls can shoot up, and sometimes you just have to take a few on the hands."

Rain interruptions dominated the morning and afternoon sessions, with nearly two hours of play lost to passing showers. When play resumed, scoring remained a grind as the West Indies seamers, particularly Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves, extracted life from the deteriorating surface.

Greaves, in a sharp post-tea spell, removed both Smith and Beau Webster in quick succession to briefly revive West Indies’ hopes. Smith’s decision to review his LBW dismissal proved futile. Greaves ended with two wickets for the day, while Shamar Joseph added to his tally with the important scalp of Travis Head, who had threatened to accelerate with a brisk 39.

At the close of play, Alex Carey was unbeaten on 26 off 27 balls, alongside skipper Pat Cummins on 4. With Australia targeting a lead of 300 and the pitch showing increasing signs of deterioration, Smith was optimistic about their position.

“We are in a nice spot,” he said. “I don't think the wicket is going to get any better. It will probably do a few more tricks. The new ball is going to be pretty crucial for us.”

With two days remaining and the pitch continuing to misbehave, Australia will back themselves to seal the series 2-0, provided they can stretch their lead past 300 and strike early with the ball.