AUS vs WI, 2nd Test, Day 2: Why Did Australia Choose To Declare Early With a 22-Run Deficit?

It was all smooth riding for Australia after a tricky start. Chasing 310 runs that the West Indies had posted in their first innings, the Aussies lost 7 wickets for 161 runs and were on track for what seemed to be an inevitable follow-on. But, then rose skipper Pat Cummins.

Cummins had an underwhelming spell with the ball in the first innings, scalping just one wicket after giving away 76 runs. He knew he had to make amends. He sure did so with the bat, as the skipper who came in as the 8th wicket batter for his side, put up a blistering knock of 64 runs in just 73 balls, steering Australia to safety and just a mere 22 runs away from overtaking the Windies’ total. But, then came the moment that left all dazzled. With one more wicket in hand, Cummins declared.

Why would the skipper resort to that measure? Well, the answer is quite simple.

The context to remember in the case of the AUS vs WI Test match here is that it is a day-night match being played under the lights, with the notorious pink ball.

The pink ball already has the cricketing circles in two minds, with some stating that it is awfully difficult for batters to play under the lights against it, saying that it swings more.

So, this brings into light the fact that Cummins’ decision all along was to put the West Indies batters under pressure, forcing them to face the fiery Aussie pacers with a shiny new pink ball under the lights.

Timing is everything. Batsmen find it much easier to play the pink ball during the day than at twilight and under the artificial lights, so the longer a side can bat while the sun is out the bigger advantage they have. And, Cummins wanted to nullify that advantage to any extent possible, thereby deciding to declare whilst 22 runs behind.

Well, it would be safe to say that the tactic worked to a fair extent with Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood removing West Indies opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul in the final session of Day 2.

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was spared the wrath and survived the day after talisman Aussie batter Steve Smith dropped him at second slip off Mitchell Starc.

However, Chanderpaul had to make his way back to the dressing room after scoring just 4 runs, thanks to a successful DRS taken by Pat Cummins at the end of the day’s play.

West Indies finished the day at 13-1,and currently hold on to a 35-run lead.