DAY two of the second test between Australia and the West Indies had it all. From athletic catches to impressive drives, things got interesting as the visitors continued their best performance on Australian soil in recent memory.

The match could be heading towards a boilover, with the West Indies leading Australia by 35 runs early in the third innings.

Following a first day that saw Australia unable to break a key partnership, an unfortunate runout saw Kemar Roach heading back to the pavilion, and after debutant Kevin Sinclair reached his 50, he was stumped.

That ended the West Indies’ innings at an impressive 311, giving Australia a fair task in comparison to last match.

Freshly minted opener Steve Smith managed just six after moving across his stumps and being trapped lbw, continuing a struggling start to his time at number one.

It sparked a remarkable collapse for Australia, with Marnus Labuschagne (3), Cameron Green (8) and Travis Head (0) all departing in the first five overs of the innings.

Luckily, Australia was steadied by the calming presence of Usman Khawaja (75), an aggressive knock from Alex Carey (65) and another crucial cameo with the bat from skipper Pat Cummins, who reached an impressive 64 not out.

The hosts declared at 9/289, with 45 minutes remaining in the day’s play. Although trailing by 22, it gave Australia the chance to bowl at the West Indies openers. It eventually paid off, with Josh Hazlewood drawing the slightest of edges to dismiss Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4), and end the day’s play, with the West Indies leading by 35.

SCORECARD

STUMPS, DAY TWO

TOSS: West Indies won & elected to bat.

1ST INNINGS: West Indies 311
Joshua Da Silva 79 (157), Kavem Hodge 71 (194), Kevin Sinclair 50 (98)
Mitchell Starc 4-82 (24), Josh Hazlewood 2-38 (20), Nathan Lyon 2-81 (28)

2ND INNINGS: Australia 9d/289
Usman Khawaja 75 (131), Alex Carey 65 (49), Pat Cummins 64* (73)
Alzarri Joseph 4-84 (14), Kemar Roach 3-47 (11), Kevin Sinclair 1-53 (8)