West Indies captain Roston Chase has urged his players to remain confident and trust their abilities after a second consecutive batting collapse condemned the hosts to a 133-run defeat against Australia in the second Test at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Sunday.

The loss hands Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final Test scheduled for Sabina Park in Kingston starting July 12.

Resuming the fourth morning on 221-7, Australia added just 22 runs before being dismissed for 243 in 71.3 overs. Alex Carey, unbeaten overnight on 26, went on to make 30 before he was trapped lbw by Shamar Joseph. Pat Cummins added just four, and Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 13 helped Australia set a challenging target of 277.

But any hopes of a competitive chase quickly evaporated under the weight of Australia’s disciplined bowling. The West Indies’ top order folded inside the first hour, with John Campbell falling lbw to Hazlewood for a duck in the second over. Keacy Carty (10), Kraigg Brathwaite (7), and Brandon King (14) all fell before lunch, leaving the hosts reeling at 33-4.

Chase, in his first series at the helm, attempted to lead from the front with a counterattacking 34 off 41 deliveries, including two sixes. But his dismissal — lbw to Starc after a review upheld the on-field decision — signaled the end of any realistic hopes of a comeback. The innings eventually ended at 143 in just 34.3 overs.

Speaking after the match, Chase pointed to his team’s failure to build partnerships as a decisive factor.

“We never really got those partnerships going,” he said. “The new ball was the biggest challenge — we lost too many wickets. If we could avoid a few wickets in the first 10-15 overs, we will have a better chance (of scoring more runs).”

Chase acknowledged the psychological battle of chasing a total like 277 against a world-class attack, but stressed the importance of belief.

“270 was always a challenging task, but as a team, you always have to believe, despite the conditions and what has happened previously,” he said.

His message to his teammates heading into the final Test was one of self-belief and composure.

“Stay confident, believe in yourselves. If we can set the tone early, in terms of the opening partnership or the top three batters staying out there for a little longer, we will be in with a good shout.”

Despite the batting struggles, Chase praised his bowlers for their consistent efforts across both Tests.

“Those guys are really hungry — they are always eager to bowl. When I want to take them off, they always want one more over,” he said with a smile. “Makes it tough as a captain to rotate my bowlers. But they are always hungry and they are world-class bowlers.”

Australia captain Pat Cummins, meanwhile, was full of praise for his team’s effort across the first two Tests.

“Both tight matches. Had to graft our way in both matches. Pretty proud to win against a pretty strong West Indies side,” Cummins said.

He acknowledged that the new ball had been a tricky period for both teams but credited his batters for managing those phases and his bowlers for maintaining discipline as the pitch began to wear.

“The pitch deteriorated a bit, so it got a bit simpler for our plans. Hit good areas ball after ball, and wait for the game to come to us,” he explained.

Looking ahead to the day-night pink-ball Test in Jamaica, Cummins was keen for his side to maintain their high standards.

“Much of the same. Keep the high standard — we are playing for WTC points. It will be a pink-ball game. We now have a week off, which is well deserved.”

He also highlighted the value of wicketkeeper Alex Carey, whose steady contributions at key moments have proved vital.

“He was great last week as well. When he walks in to bat, it is normally a tricky period. He has that habit of building partnerships and getting us up to good totals.”

With the series now out of reach, the West Indies will be aiming to salvage pride and confidence in front of their home fans at Sabina Park. But they will need far greater resolve with the bat if they are to avoid a series sweep.

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