West Indies stage stunning fightback to trail Australia by 45 in Grenada

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Cricket - Ashes - Fifth Test - England v Australia - The Oval, London, Britain - July 30, 2023 Australias Usman Khawaja in action Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

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West Indies were bowled out for 253 in their first innings of the second test in Grenada on Friday, trailing Australia by 45 runs at stumps after a dramatic second day that saw early promise turn to utter collapse before a thrilling lower-order fightback.

Australia were 12 for two when play was called off, having lost Sam Konstas for a duck when he was bowled by Jayden Seales, and Usman Khawaja for two runs when Seales trapped him lbw.

What began as a Friday of fluctuating fortunes for the hosts became a tale of extraordinary resilience, with the West Indies tail staging a spirited recovery to keep alive the test match and series.

The morning session belonged to John Campbell until a moment of madness cost him his wicket on 40.

The West Indies left-hander looked in fine touch, striking five fours and a six, before attempting an ambitious shot off Beau Webster that he could only sky for a simple catch to Mitchell Starc at mid-on.

Kraigg Brathwaites milestone 100th Test got off to the worst possible start when he fell for a duck in just the second over after being caught and bowled by Josh Hazlewood.

Keacy Carty also departed cheaply for six, falling to a spectacular catch by Pat Cummins off his own bowling.

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