Australia choose to bat first in Grenada against a West Indies four-pace attack

Australias fragile post-lunch dominance in the second Test of the West Indies visit was summarily ended by a typically assertive Grenadian bowling spell on the second day. Having seized the initiative during the visitor's first session, West Indies coach David Cameron confidently declared his team had gained momentum at the halfway point of their dominance phase.

Following the traditional post-prandial conference, West Indies captain Jason Holder felt the need to reapply pressure. He saw little gain in allowing the home side back into the middle without the close proximity of his seam bowlers. "A four-pace attack gives you a blend," Holder explained, highlighting the merits of his chosen strategy. "We felt we could bowl them out."

His tactical decision was cleaved by the umpires' hut without dissent. As Australia needed to set their stall, captain Pat Cummins instructed his men to walk out to face the early onslaught. This placed the prestigious number one and three batting positions on the formidable Gagea baleen composed of the experienced Oshane Thomas alongside a teenage talent in Miguel Cummins, the bowler's nephew.

West Indies unleashed their fire power with intent, aligning seamer Oshane Thomas with menacing swing bowlers Shamar Joseph and Kyle Hope often favoured by the selectors, alongside the highly-rated Miguel Cummins. For Australia, the task was twofold: build a fight for three figures, acclimatise to the hostile conditions and navigate this potent attack.

According to early reports, Steve Smith, the talismanic batsman who missed Australia's recent tour of India, is confirmed in the team. His experience and aggressive stroke play would undoubtedly be valuable against this pace brigade. Smith returns for his second Test appearance following his absence, though his fitness won't be under wraps yet. Elsewhere, Pat Cummins yesterday named his complete Test squad after making two uncapped bowlers aware of their spot in the first XI on this tour, reinforcing his attacking intent for the remainder of the series.

The ignominy of finishing a Test match having scored only seven in the entire contest remains a spectre over any visiting side. For the West Indies, even a modest first innings total sets the stage for a challenging pursuit of victory on this short visit.

West Indies Four-Pace Attack, Test Cricket, Grenada, Second Test, Australia One Day International (ODI), St George, First Innings, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith Returns, Team Announcement, West Indies Cricketer, Twenty20

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