Day 1 of the Australia vs West Indies Test series in Bridgetown began with high intensity as West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph wreaked havoc on Australia’s top order. The visitors, who opted to bat first after winning the toss, found themselves reeling at 3-65 by lunch, struggling on a tricky Kensington Oval pitch.
Joseph Returns as Australia Falters Early
West Indies quick Shamar Joseph, who stunned Australia in Brisbane last year, was once again the chief destroyer. He trapped young opener Sam Konstas leg-before for just 1, after a successful DRS review by captain Roston Chase. Moments later, he nearly dismissed Cameron Green, but a dropped catch at gully spared the Aussie briefly.
Joseph finally sent Green packing for 3, caught edging in the slips—eerily similar to his dismissals in the recent WTC Final against South Africa.
Australia vs West Indies: Catches Drop, but Pressure Mounts
Despite their strong bowling, West Indies fielders let key chances slip. Chase dropped Usman Khawaja on 6 at first slip, and debutant Brandon King missed a regulation catch offered by Green. However, Australia still lost Josh Inglis, who top-edged a mistimed pull off Jayden Seales, leaving the team 3-22.
Khawaja, batting steadily, reached 32* at lunch alongside *Travis Head (21)**, with boundaries hard to come by—Australia’s first four came in the 16th over.
Australia’s New Line-Up Faces a Big Test
The Australia vs West Indies clash marks a bold selection call. Sam Konstas, just 19, replaced Marnus Labuschagne at the top. Green stayed at number three, with captain Pat Cummins backing him long-term despite poor returns in recent Tests. Josh Inglis came in at four due to Steve Smith’s injury.
Cummins stressed stability in the batting order:
“We see Green at three as a long-term option… He had a tough Test, but he’s hitting well.”
Chase Leads New-Era West Indies Against Australia
New captain Roston Chase replaced Kraigg Brathwaite and returned to Test cricket after two years. He leads a rejuvenated West Indies side, featuring debutants and returning players like John Campbell and Shai Hope.
Coach Darren Sammy’s overhaul saw only four players from the Gabba victory retained. Chase hopes past scars from that dramatic win still haunt the Australians.
“I hope there are some scars,” Chase said confidently.
Australia vs West Indies: Confirmed Playing XIs
Australia XI
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies XI
Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
What’s Next in the Australia vs West Indies Series
The Frank Worrell Trophy opener runs from June 25-29. The second and third Tests follow on July 3-7 in Grenada and July 13-17 in Jamaica. Australia’s bowlers—led by Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood—will aim to make a strong comeback in the remaining sessions.
With Shamar Joseph in red-hot form and Australia’s batting looking shaky, the Australia vs West Indies series promises high drama and an unpredictable outcome.
Session Timings (IST)
- First Session: 12:00 am – 2:00 am
- Second Session: 2:40 am – 4:40 am
- Third Session: 5:00 am – For7:00 am
