Barbados – The opening day of the first Test between West Indies and Australia was a thrilling rollercoaster, with bowlers dominating from both sides on a lively Kensington Oval pitch.
Australia were bowled out for just 180 — their lowest Test total in the Caribbean when batting first — as Jayden Seales (5 for 60) and Shamar Joseph (4 for 46) ripped through the visiting line-up. Despite a spirited 59 from Travis Head, Australia’s innings collapsed after a brief recovery, losing seven wickets for 69 runs.
West Indies’ reply started shakily as the Australian quicks retaliated in the final session. Mitchell Starc (2 for 35) struck twice with the new ball, removing Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood chipped in before stumps. The hosts ended day one on 57 for 4, still trailing by 123 runs.
A Fiery Opening Act
Australia’s decision to bat first backfired on a pitch that offered movement and occasional steep bounce. Shamar Joseph made an immediate impact, trapping debutant Sam Konstas lbw. He later dismissed Usman Khawaja and Beau Webster with deliveries that showcased his pace and precision.
Despite being dropped twice — once on 6 and again on 45 — Khawaja managed to stitch together an 89-run stand with Head. However, his innings came to an end on 56 when he bottom-edged a pull to the keeper.
Head was aggressive throughout, reaching his half-century in just 57 balls. He had one lifeline when a low edge to the keeper was deemed not out after a lengthy third-umpire review. The West Indies were visibly frustrated, with Adrian Holdstock’s decision prompting disbelief. Nonetheless, Head fell soon after for 59.
“It looks a pretty good wicket,” Cummins had said at the toss. But the pitch had other ideas — assisting seamers all day long, challenging the top order, and offering the kind of lift that kept batters wary.
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Seales Takes Over
While Shamar Joseph’s fiery spells rattled Australia, it was Seales who completed the job. He removed Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and the tail in quick succession to claim his third five-wicket haul in Tests. His consistency and discipline paid off as Australia folded for a below-par total in just 52.4 overs.
West Indies Falter Late
With the bat, West Indies struggled to capitalise. Starc sent Brathwaite back early with a peach of a delivery caught low at second slip. He then dismissed John Campbell with a delivery that moved away just enough.
Keacy Carty and debutant Brandon King tried to steady things but both fell in quick time. Cummins got one to rise on Carty, while Hazlewood delivered a snorter to remove nightwatchman Jomel Warrican.
With the match moving rapidly, both teams remain in the contest, but the second day may determine which side seizes control. Given the pitch and current run rates, fans may want to keep their weekend free.
Key Stats:
- Australia: 180 all out (Head 59, Seales 5-60, Shamar Joseph 4-46)
- West Indies: 57/4 at stumps (King 23*, Starc 2-35)
- Trail by: 123 runs
Back at it tomorrow for Day 2️⃣.#WIvAUS #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/hkD3IHArGd
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 25, 2025