Shamar Joseph (left) of West Indies celebrates taking 4 wickets for 46 runs through the 1st day of the first Check match between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 25, 2025. — AFP
West Indies bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph dismantled the Australian batting line-up for simply 180 on the opening day of the primary Check at Kensington Oval.
Seales starred with an outstanding five-wicket haul, whereas Joseph’s hostile spell rattled Australia’s high order, decreasing the guests to 22 for 3 early on a vigorous pitch.
Shai Hope (proper) makes an attempt to take a catch off Shamar Joseph (left) of West Indies through the 1st day of the first Check match between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 25, 2025. — AFP
Australia’s bowlers responded with a short fightback of their very own. Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood shared 4 wickets to depart the West Indies at 57 for 4 at stumps, nonetheless trailing by 123 runs in a match finely balanced after a dramatic day of cricket.
The 25-year-old then delivered a scorching supply that all-rounder Cameron Inexperienced may solely edge to Justin Greaves at second slip.
Seales then joined the get together, coaxing a thick high edge from Josh Inglis that despatched him trudging again to the pavilion for 5, finishing Australia’s horror begin.
Veteran Usman Khawaja and Travis Head briefly stemmed the tide with an 89-run partnership, however Joseph struck once more on the excellent second, eradicating Khawaja for 47 – agonisingly in need of his half-century – and extinguishing Australian hopes of a restoration.
Mitchell Starc (centre) of Australia celebrates the dismissal of John Campbell of West Indies through the 1st day of the first Check match between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 25, 2025. — AFP
“This one was pretty special for me,” Seales stated.
“I have played against (Australia) once, and was injured. To play against them and get five on the first day was pretty special.
“With the brand new ball, the plan was to bowl fuller. We knew the batters would come onerous if we gave them width, and the plan was to bowl full and as a lot on the stumps as potential.
“A little slower than what the Australians would have expected, and that made them play a lot more.
“Shamar was particular at present … He has a love for Australia. He received by means of the highest order and made it simple for us within the center and on the finish.”
Australia, already weak with Steve Smith sidelined by damage and Marnus Labuschagne axed, watched in dismay as their re-jigged high order wilted underneath relentless strain from the Caribbean quicks.
Joseph received the Bridgetown carnival began within the fourth over when he trapped teenage debutant Sam Konstas leg earlier than wicket after a evaluation.
Jayden Seales (proper) of West Indies celebrates the dismissal of Josh Inglis of Australia through the first day of the first check match between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 25, 2025. — AFP
The center order supplied little resistance, with Beau Webster (11) and Alex Carey (8) falling cheaply earlier than Greaves claimed the prize scalp of Head for 59, caught behind.
Captain Pat Cummins (28) offered the one lower-order resistance earlier than Seales returned to comb by means of the tail, finishing his five-wicket masterclass and leaving Australia to ponder the wreckage of their innings.
