In the opening Test in Adelaide, debutant Shamar Joseph showcased exceptional skills, taking two crucial top-order wickets during Australia’s reply to the West Indies’ first innings total of 188. At stumps, Australia stood at 59-2, with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 30 and Cameron Green at six. While Australia is only 129 runs behind, the dismissals of key batsmen Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have added intrigue to the match.
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl on a cool and overcast morning, a decision that paid off as the West Indies struggled to 133-9. However, Joseph, in only his sixth first-class match, contributed a brisk 36 runs off 41 balls, providing some respectability to the score.
The turning point came when Joseph, as the first change, had Steve Smith caught at third slip with his first ball in Test cricket. Subsequently, he claimed the wicket of Labuschagne, leaving Australia at 45-2. Despite the setbacks, Australia managed to reach 59-2 at stumps.
Josh Hazlewood, with figures of 4-44 (including his 250th Test wicket), and Pat Cummins, with 4-41, led Australia’s bowling attack. Hazlewood noted the unusual behavior of the Adelaide wicket, emphasizing its slower pace and occasional movement.
In their response, the West Indies displayed early resilience, with openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul forming a steady start. However, Cummins’ introduction into the attack resulted in Chanderpaul’s dismissal. Hazlewood’s delivery claimed his 250th Test wicket, making all four main Australian bowlers achieve this milestone.
After lunch, Hazlewood continued to trouble the West Indies, securing additional wickets. Despite the lower-order resistance from Shamar Joseph, the West Indies were bowled out for 188. Shamar Joseph’s spirited performance, coupled with a successful early spell, has injected hope for the West Indies in the Test.
As Australia begins its innings, Shamar Joseph’s remarkable debut has added a layer of uncertainty to the match outcome, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation in Adelaide.
