Australia vs West IndiesCricket HighlightsInternational CricketInternational MatchesLatest Cricket UpdatesMatch HighlightsPlayer PerformancesSports HighlightsTestTest CricketTest Cricket UpdatesTest Match Updates
Pace Dominates as 14 Wickets Fall on Dramatic Opening Day in Barbados
Seales, Shamar Joseph and Starc Star in Seam-Heavy Day 1 Action
The first Test between West Indies and Australia at Barbados got off to a gripping start, with fast bowlers dominating proceedings from both ends. The opening day witnessed 14 wickets tumble as Australia were bundled out for 180, only to strike back with the ball and reduce the West Indies to 57/4 by stumps. Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph were the stars for the hosts, while Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins ensured Australia stayed well in the contest.
West Indies Fast Bowlers Exploit Conditions with Early Strikes
Seales and Shamar Set the Tone for the Hosts
After Australia won the toss and chose to bat, the West Indies seamers made an immediate impact. Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales exploited the early movement expertly. Sam Konstas was the first to depart after an lbw call was overturned on review. Shamar nearly had another in the same over, but dropped chances by Brandon King and Roston Chase kept Australia afloat momentarily.
Persistence paid off as Shamar dismissed Cameron Green with a sharp delivery that was safely held at second slip. Australia’s troubles deepened after the drinks break when Josh Inglis’s attempt to accelerate resulted in a top-edge caught off Seales, leaving the visitors reeling at 22/3.
Khawaja and Head Counterattack, But Collapse Follows
Middle-Order Partnership Revives Australia Briefly
In typical fashion, Travis Head launched a counterattack, but it was Usman Khawaja who led the charge with a six and back-to-back boundaries to disrupt West Indies’ rhythm. Their partnership helped Australia recover to 111/3. Head’s aggressive strokeplay, especially in the post-lunch session, stood out in the absence of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
However, the momentum shifted quickly again. Khawaja was undone while attempting a pull shot off Shamar, and the same bowler cleaned up Beau Webster with a delivery that nipped away and clipped the top of off. Australia’s innings unraveled from there. Head fell just after tea, and although Pat Cummins played a valuable cameo, Jayden Seales wrapped up the innings with his fifth wicket, ending with figures of 5/60.
🔗 Also Read: Australia vs West Indies Series Preview and Key Players
Australia Hit Back with the Ball Before Stumps
Starc and Hazlewood Rock West Indies Top Order
Australia’s pace unit responded with intensity, striking within five overs. Mitchell Starc found Kraigg Brathwaite’s outside edge, and John Campbell was soon dismissed after edging one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Though debutant Brandon King looked promising with a quick 23* off 12 deliveries, wickets fell regularly at the other end. Hazlewood and Cummins picked up one wicket apiece, leaving West Indies at 57/4 at stumps, still trailing by 123 runs. The home side will now depend heavily on King and Roston Chase, their experienced skipper, to turn the tide and earn a crucial first-innings lead.
Match Summary and Key Performers
-
Australia 180 all out (Travis Head 59, Usman Khawaja 47; Jayden Seales 5/60, Shamar Joseph 4/46)
-
West Indies 57/4 (Brandon King 23*; Mitchell Starc 2/35)
With the ball continuing to do plenty under the overcast Barbados skies, Day 2 promises to be just as intense, with bowlers likely to dominate once again unless the West Indies middle order can show resilience.
🔗 External Source: Match Scorecard – ESPNcricinfo
