Seales and Shamar cut through Australia before the fast bowlers struck back
Seales and Shamar cut through Australia before the fast bowlers struck back
Pacers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph combined for nine wickets as they put in a performance of West Indies’ fearsome bowling attacks of old against inexperienced Australia on Day 1 of the first Test at Kensington Oval.
The opening day of the first Test between the West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval was nothing short of a rollercoaster. It was a day where fast bowlers ruled the roost, 14 wickets fell, and both teams had their moments of dominance. But it was the West Indies’ fiery pace duo Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph who stole the spotlight, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup and setting the tone for what promises to be a gripping contest.
Australia, having won the toss and chosen to bat, were immediately put under pressure by the West Indies quicks. The decision to bat first backfired almost instantly. Shamar Joseph, bowling with venom and precision, struck in just his second over, trapping debutant Sam Konstas lbw with a delivery that jagged back in. It was a dream start for the 25-year-old, who wasn’t done yet. In the same spell, he dismissed Cameron Green, who edged a sharp delivery to second slip. Green had earlier been dropped on zero, but Joseph made sure the mistake didn’t cost much.
Josh Inglis, filling in for the injured Steve Smith at No. 4, tried to counterattack but fell to Seales, top-edging a pull shot that was safely taken by wicketkeeper Shai Hope. At 22 for 3, Australia were in deep trouble. That’s when Usman Khawaja and Travis Head stepped up. The pair added 89 runs for the fourth wicket, with Head playing his usual aggressive game and Khawaja anchoring the innings. Head reached his fifty off just 57 balls, slashing and driving with confidence.
However, just as Australia looked to be recovering, Joseph returned to break the stand. He removed Khawaja for 47, caught behind off a bottom edge. Then came a peach of a delivery to dismiss Beau Webster angled in, seamed away, and clipped the top of the off stump. Joseph was on fire, and Australia were once again reeling.
The drama didn’t stop there. The head was controversially given not out after edging a catch to the keeper that looked clean on replay. But justice was served soon after when he edged Justin Greaves behind for 59. The lower order offered little resistance. Alex Carey edged Seales to slip, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fell quickly, and Josh Hazlewood was the last to go. Seales wrapped up the innings with a five-wicket haul his third in Tests finishing with figures of 5 for 60. Joseph, equally impressive, took 4 for 46. Australia were bowled out for just 180, their lowest first-innings total in the Caribbean since 1995.
Despite the low score, Australia’s bowlers weren’t going down without a fight. Mitchell Starc struck early, removing both openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell within the first few overs. Pat Cummins then got Keacy Carty with a rising delivery that took the shoulder of the bat, and Josh Hazlewood cleaned up nightwatchman Jomel Warrican with a beauty. West Indies ended the day at 57 for 4, still trailing by 123 runs but with debutant Brandon King (23*) and captain Roston Chase at the crease.
The pitch at Kensington Oval offered plenty for the seamers movement, bounce, and just enough unpredictability to keep batters guessing. Both teams dropped catches, but it was West Indies who made the most of their chances. Joseph, in particular, bowled with heart and hostility, and with better support in the field, he might have ended with a five-for himself.
As the sun set on a dramatic day, the match was finely balanced. Australia’s bowlers had clawed their way back into the contest, but West Indies had already done the damage. With the pitch still offering plenty, Day 2 promises more fireworks. If the trend continues, this Test could be wrapped up well before the weekend.