The first Test match between Australia and the West Indies at Bridgetown, Barbados, kicked off with an electrifying display of fast bowling that saw a total of 14 wickets fall on Day 1 alone, setting the tone for a thrilling contest.
Australia Bowled Out for 180
Batting first, Australia could only muster 180 runs in their first innings. The tourists struggled against a spirited West Indies pace attack, failing to build meaningful partnerships after a solid start.
Top-order batter Travis Head offered some resistance, scoring a fighting 59 runs, while Usman Khawaja supported with a steady 47. But aside from these two, no Australian batter could cross the 20-run mark. The middle and lower order collapsed rapidly, undone by relentless pace and movement from the West Indian seamers.
West Indies Pace Duo Wreak Havoc
The day belonged to the West Indies’ young pace sensations. Jaden Seales, leading the attack, was simply unplayable at times. He ended with figures of 5 for 60, delivering a spell that combined speed, swing, and control.
Backing him up was the fiery Shamar Joseph, who bagged 4 for 46 in just his debut Test match. Joseph’s aggression and accuracy kept the Australian batsmen on the back foot throughout his spells. The duo shared 9 of the 10 wickets, leaving the visitors shell-shocked.
West Indies Take Slim First-Innings Lead
On Day 2, the West Indies resumed play and responded with their own batting effort—but the pitch offered little respite, as Australian bowlers bounced back strongly. The hosts were bowled out for 190, gaining a narrow 10-run lead over Australia.
Despite the upper hand gained by their bowlers, West Indies batters struggled against Australia’s pace attack. However, crucial contributions from the lower order ensured the hosts edged ahead. No West Indian batter managed a half-century, but gritty knocks from the middle and lower order helped them inch past Australia’s first innings total.
Fast Bowlers Dominate the Test
With both teams unable to cross 200, it is clear that the pitch at Kensington Oval is offering ample assistance to the fast bowlers. The outfield is quick, but the movement off the seam and in the air has been the defining feature of the Test so far.
For Australia, the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc shared the spoils, keeping their side in the game with sharp, disciplined bowling.
What Lies Ahead
With a razor-thin lead, the match is now perfectly poised heading into the third day. The second innings will be crucial for both teams, especially for Australia who will want to erase the deficit and set a challenging total for the hosts to chase in the fourth innings.
Both batting lineups have been thoroughly tested, and with the pitch offering variable bounce and swing, the outcome remains wide open. A session of brilliance with bat or ball could easily tilt the match in either team’s favor.
As the Test continues, all eyes will be on the bowlers—particularly young stars like Shamar Joseph and Jaden Seales, who have already announced themselves on the world stage with match-turning performances.
Cricket fans are in for a classic as this low-scoring, high-tension Test promises more twists and turns before a winner is crowned.
