WI Vs AUS 2nd Test: Webster Learning On The Job As Australia's Top-order Woes Continue

Beau Webster is learning on the job while batting at number six for Australia, having made a half-century to stave off a total collapse at the start of the second Test against West Indies.

In a rain-affected start to the match in Grenada, Australia – who won the opening Test by 159 runs – were teetering at 93-4 by lunch.

However, Alex Carey plundered 63 off 81 balls before being caught by Kraigg Brathwaite, while Webster made a steady 60 off 115 before he was run out.

While none of Australia's bottom order could add more than the 17 runs of captain Pat Cummins, those two knocks helped the tourists reach 286 all out.

Webster has made a strong start to his red-ball career since making his debut versus India in January, with this his fourth half-century in nine innings in the format. He also struck 63 in the second innings of Australia's victory in the opening Test. 

"I've played six Tests now in four different countries with three different balls," Webster said after stumps on Thursday. 

"To come to countries I've never played in and with a ball I've never used before, just to be able to try and learn on my feet and try and get some info from some of the other guys, then go about my business my way... that's probably the one thing I've learned.

"Hopefully I can capitalise on one of these fifties at some stage, but at the moment I'm happy to contribute and get us to a defendable total."

Australia's top-order batsmen have fared less well, with opener Sam Konstas dismissed for 25 runs by Anderson Phillip on Thursday. That is his second-best total in seven Test innings since his December debut.

Meanwhile, at number three, Cameron Green hit 26 before being caught off Jayden Seales' bowling, his seventh straight innings with a score of 26 runs or fewer.

However, Webster retains faith in the duo, crediting them for forcing the Windies' bowlers to alter their approach early on.

"The way [Konstas] and Greeny particularly started today, I thought it was exceptional," Webster said. 

"They put a bit of pressure back on their bowlers and made them change a little bit."

Rain delays ensured West Indies were unable to get their first innings under way on Thursday, so they will step up to the crease for the first time on Friday.