Shamar Joseph dismantles Australia again, dismissing them for 180 before claiming 4-57 in West Indies’ first innings
Australia’s first Test in the West Indies in ten years got off to a dramatic start, with day one at Kensington Oval packed full of twists. Here are five key takeaways from the opening day.
Summary: Starc strikes late after Australia collapses with the bat
Scorecard: West Indies vs Australia, First Test – Kensington Oval, Barbados
1. Head survives controversial decision
There was no doubt in the minds of the home crowd—or Shamar Joseph.
But wicketkeeper Shai Hope hesitated, glancing at umpire Nitin Menon after Travis Head appeared to bottom edge a delivery into his gloves. The uncertainty extended to the third umpire, Adrian Holdstock, who declared there was “no clear evidence” to overturn the not-out decision, even though replays seemed to show a slight gap between the ball and the ground.
The Aussies cheered the reprieve, while the home crowd looked on in disbelief. Joseph could only smile wryly, denied a fifth wicket just as Head reached 53.
2. Joseph dominates once more
The man who starred in the Gabba upset of 2024 was at it again. Joseph’s explosive start ensured young Sam Konstas’s return to Test cricket was short-lived—he was trapped in front for just three in the fourth over.
Joseph then threatened to remove both Green and Khawaja in quick succession, but fielding blunders cost him dearly. Green, uncomfortable throughout, eventually fell for 3, while Josh Inglis didn’t last long either, misjudging a ball from Jayden Seales and departing for 5.
Joseph’s highlight came mid-session: a textbook delivery to Beau Webster that lifted, moved away, and clipped the top of off stump. It was a near-flawless display from the West Indies paceman.
3. Fielding woes for the Windies
Despite Australia’s shaky start, things could have been far worse if the Windies had held their catches.
Green was given a life on zero by debutant Brandon King at gully. Then, Khawaja was dropped twice—first on six by Roston Chase at slip, and later on 45, once again by King. Both early drops came off Joseph’s bowling and were routine chances.
King’s debut went from promising to painful, with both missed opportunities casting a shadow over the day.
4. Khawaja rides his luck
Though he managed to score 47, Khawaja never looked settled. Dropped multiple times, he also survived a chaotic moment shortly after lunch when a deflection off his pad almost ricocheted onto his stumps. He even swiped wildly at the ball after backheeling it, narrowly avoiding disaster.
Despite several lucky breaks, Khawaja couldn’t convert his start and eventually fell to Joseph, who capped a relentless spell with yet another scalp.
5. Starc delivers a late breakthrough
As so often before, Mitchell Starc struck when his team needed it most.
After Australia was dismissed for 180, the West Indies made a cautious start. But Starc removed captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a sharp catch by Webster at second slip, then had John Campbell caught behind by Carey.
The late double blow left the hosts reeling at 2-16, giving Australia a sliver of hope after a disappointing day with the bat.
