The West Indies batters will have to wait until tomorrow to begin their response to Australia’s first innings total, after play on the opening day of the Second Test was brought to an early close due to bad light, as ruled by the umpires.

Earlier in the day, Australia, having won the toss and electing to bat, found themselves in early trouble at 110 for 5. However, a spirited middle-order fightback saw the visitors recover to post a respectable total of 286.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey led the resistance with a counterattacking 63, laced with 10 boundaries and a six, anchoring a crucial 112-run sixth-wicket partnership with Beau Webster, who contributed a well-made 60 before being run out.

Additional support came from Travis Head (29), Cameron Green (26), and young opener Sam Konstas (25), all chipping in with valuable runs to lift the Australians past the 250 mark.

For the West Indies, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was the standout performer, finishing with 4 for 61, showing sharp pace and aggression throughout the day. He was well supported by Jayden Seales, who returned figures of 2 for 45, while Anderson Phillip, Justin Greaves, and Shamar Joseph picked up one wicket apiece.

With the three-match series standing at 1-0 in Australia’s favour, the West Indies are eager to level the series in Grenada. But they’ll have to wait just a bit longer to take the crease, as fading light brought a premature end to what had been a compelling day of Test cricket.

Day Two promises much intrigue, with the hosts set to launch their batting response on a pitch that’s already offering signs of assistance to the seamers.