Day 1 of the Pink Ball Test in Kingston, Jamaica, was another day where ball dominated bat. 11 wickets fell on the day, and there were a lot of magical moments in the day. But one moment that stood out was during the final session when the mighty Australia collapsed and handed the Day 1 honours to the host, the West Indies.
Australia won another toss and decided to bat on a greenish surface. They got off to a slow start and lost Sam Konstas relatively early. Usman Khawaja got a start and could not convert, but Cameron Green and Steven Smith built a solid stand of 61 off 106 balls. But Green got out just before the second break, and after Smith fell in the final session, the floodgates opened as the Aussies lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 225.
Australia’s collapse in the final session lifts West IndiesÂ
Australia started the final session at the score of 138/3 in 52 overs. Steve Smith was at the crease alongside Travis Head. The duo started the final session positively and took the score to 157 when Smith played a loose shot away from the body to get the edge through to Brandon King for 48. That wicket opened the floodgates as Australia lost wickets from thereon at regular intervals.
Beau Webster came and went for 1. Travis Head and Alex Carey had a small partnership before Head fell for 20. Alex Carey played a counter-attacking innings of 21 off 20 balls before he too fell, and so did Mitchell Starc for a duck in his 100th Test match as the Aussies were reduced to 199/8. Captain Pat Cummins played his shots before falling for a quickfire 24 off 17 balls, which included 3 sixes. Josh Hazlewood was the last man to go for 4 as Australia were bowled out for 225 in 70.3 overs.
Shamar Joseph spearheads the West Indies’ disciplined bowling performance
It was another credible and disciplined bowling performance by the West Indies bowlers as they kept Australia’s batters in check throughout, much like in the previous two Tests. They did that almost without the services of Alzarri Joseph, who bowled only 7 overs and was nursing an injury. He came back to the field later on and took the last catch, but did not bowl any overs. But the others stepped up in his bowling absence.
The man leading the way was once again Shamar Joseph, who finished with figures of 4/33 in 17.3 overs. He was ably supported by Jayden Seales, who finished with figures of 3/59 in 16 overs. Justin Greaves stepped up to the plate and was in nice rhythm as he picked up 3/56 in 14 overs. He bowled a good spell in the final session. Jomel Warrican was used for 12 overs while captain Roston Chase bowled 4 overs and was wicketless. West Indies will be pleased with the first day’s work at Jamaica after losing the toss.
What Lies Ahead
As many as 11 wickets fell on the first Day as West Indies ended the day at 16/1 after 9 overs, after bowling Australia out for 225 in 70.3 overs. It was a good day for the West Indies, and they will now want their struggling batting line-up to come good against an all pace Australian attack with no Lyon in this Test match. The aim for the hosts should be to batthe whole day and get close to that first innings score.
Australia will be breathing fire and will look to pick early wickets in the first session. The first session is under natural light and should be easier than under lights ,but the West Indies did well to lose only 1 in 9 overs under lights. The game is nicely set up and Day 2 will be crucial for both teams to gain the upper hand.
Also Read: WI vs AUS : Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test Match In Focus As Australia Aim To Clean Sweep Series