Can West Indies defeat Australia in the ongoing second Test at Grenada?

The second Test between Australia and West Indies at St George's, Grenada, is finely balanced. Although Australia is strongly placed with a lead of 254 runs going into Day 4, the West Indies are hopeful of their prospects based on their better performances and a good team attitude.

On a pitch that was offering uneven bounce, Steve Smith once more demonstrated why he's among the contemporary greats, producing a dogged 71 off 119 deliveries. His innings, founded on persistence and accuracy, enabled Australia to recover from early strife and increase their advantage. West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves was the first to credit Smith's brilliance, conceding, "Steve is Steve, he played a really good innings." Pressure-struck Cameron Green added a useful 52. Admitting he had never really felt at ease at the crease, his stand of 93 with Smith was a turning point in the match. 

West Indies remain optimistic as they eye a battle back to chase victory in the second Test against Australia

Notwithstanding Australia's advantage, the West Indies camp is not taking the pressure off. In a chat with the media at the close of Day 3, Greaves highlighted the team's main objective: "For us, try and keep Australia under 300 that is one of our main goals." With Australia still having to complete their second innings, Day 4 is going to prove decisive in determining the ultimate outcome.

ALSO SEE: ENG vs IND: Can Shubman Gill break the year-long record of Sir Donald Bradman?

Greaves also discussed the West Indies batting strategy during the fourth innings. He asked his fellow players to be positive and learn from Australia's middle-order batsmen such as Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey, who had all batted purposefully during the earlier game.

So, can West Indies reverse the tide and bring the series level?

They'll require ball discipline early on Day 4, then a bold but rational pursuit. The pitch is still difficult, but not impossible to play. A solid opening with the bat, led by seasoned performers, may push Australia back. The challenge is hard, but not insurmountable. If West Indies have faith and carry out, Grenada might see a historic Test victory.