Australia battle to 286 against West Indies as top-order woes continue

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Steve Smiths comeback did little to resolve Australias top-order troubles as the tourists were bowled out for 286 on day one of the second Test, with Beau Webster and Alex Carey steering a vital middle-order fightback in Grenada on Thursday.

Webster emerged as Australias saviour after they slumped to 93-4 after electing to bat first, his patient knock providing the backbone of their recovery on a pitch that consistently troubled the batsmen at the National Cricket Stadium.

The all-rounder forged a crucial 112-run partnership with Carey (63) that dragged Australia to a respectable total.

Carey had been the early aggressor, steering Australia away from danger and reaching his second consecutive test fifty, before falling when he pulled Justin Greaves straight to mid-wicket.

Websters mature innings came to a disappointing end when he was run out attempting an impossible second, though his 60 from 115 balls showcased nerveless batting on a challenging surface.

I was trying to keep the straight balls out, and then cash in when I could, Webster said. That was my game plan and Im glad it helped me through.

The ball swung. A couple of deliveries early really shaped around. Hopefully it gets a little tougher to bat on.

Australias tail then took up the cause, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon all getting to double digits.

Cummins (17) was bowled by Alzarri Joseph when he was caught out by a ball that kept low, deflecting off his pad on to the stumps. Mitchell Starc (6) followed soon after, edging Jayden Seales to the keeper.

As in the first test at Bridgetown, the West Indies pace attack was relentless.

Alzarri Joseph claimed four