West Indies Vs Australia 2nd Test Day 1: Webster, Carey Star For Aussies After Top-Order Struggles – Data Debrief

Australia's top-order issues continued on day one of the second Test against West Indies, but Beau Webster and Alex Carey performed a rescue act for the tourists.

Intermittent rain delays broke up play with around 23 overs lost, but Australia reached 286 all out before the close, despite Alzarri Joseph's impressive form.

The tourists struggled in the first session of the day, with Usman Khawaja (16) and Sam Konstas (25) putting together a 47-run partnership for the first wicket before the latter was trapped lbw by Joseph (4-61).

Konstas and Steve Smith (three) followed in quick succession, with Cameron Green's 26 helping them to 93-4 at lunch. Travis Head's dismissal for 19 then left Australia wobbling before Webster and Carey steadied the ship.

Both hit half-centuries, with Carey plundering 63 off 81 balls before being caught by Kraigg Brathwaite, playing in his 100th Test for West Indies, while Webster was run out for 60 by Keacy Carter.

However, none of the lower order could maintain the momentum Australia had been building, with Joseph finishing off the day by taking Nathan Lyon (11).

The delays meant West Indies did not get to start their innings on Thursday, and they will start at the crease on day two.

Data Debrief: Is there an end in sight for Australia's troubles?

Any hopes that Australia had fixed their problems in the top order between the first and second Tests were quickly squashed, with the tourists now needing another big performance with the ball.

Konstas has managed just 33 balls across his three innings in the series so far, with Thursday his first time hitting double figures. Khawaja, meanwhile, has now hit 6,000 Test runs in his career, having needed just two to reach the landmark. 

Meanwhile, Webster and Carey both hit their second half-centuries of the series, having also done so in the second innings of the first Test. On that occasion, Webster scored 63 to the latter's 65.