Sawt Falasteen - Chase and Hope steady as West Indies eye lead over Australia

Resuming at the uncomfortable overnight position of 57 for four and losing Brandon King within 20 minutes' play at 72 for five, the Barbadian pairing defied the Australian bowlers in contrasting styles to reach the day's first interval with Chase on 44 and Hope on 31.

Much scepticism and speculation has accompanied the return of these two players to the West Indies Test side after more than two years away, moreso in the case of Chase who, surprisingly to many observers, has succeeded Kraigg Brathwaite as captain.

Yet both displayed great determination in coping with an experienced bowling attack at Kensington Oval.

While Chase needed more than a little luck in surviving testing opening spells from Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc either side of the demise of debutant King for 26, bowled offering no shot to Hazelwood, Chase started his first Test innings since March 2023 positively, getting three boundaries at the start of his innings.

Chase, in his 50th Test, hoisted off-spinner Nathan Lyon for a six over extra-cover as he grew in confidence deeper into the session.

Australian captain Pat Cummins turned to Beau Webster with the lunch interval approaching but the all-rounder could not separate the pair, who will resume in the afternoon on a pitch which appears to be playing a lot easier than on the first day when 14 wickets tumbled.

W.Mansour--SF-PST