By Tom Decent
Bridgetown: Australia’s tour of the West Indies has started in shaky fashion after a top-order collapse and a sensational spell from local hero Shamar Joseph on day one of the first Test in Barbados.
After winning the toss and electing to bat on a favourable pitch at Kensington Oval, Australia were bowled out for 180 in just 56.5 overs – their lowest first innings total against the West Indies in a Test since 1995.
Australia’s Sam Konstas plays a shot from the delivery of West Indies’ Jayden Seales during day one of the first cricket Test match at Kensington Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados.Credit: AP
Last year, Joseph spearheaded the West Indies to their first win on Australian soil in 27 years.
On a warm Wednesday in the Caribbean, Joseph was back to his destructive best, removing young gun Sam Konstas (3), new No.3 Cameron Green (3), all-rounder Beau Webster (11) and then opener Usman Khawaja (47) in a superb display of fast-bowling in front of his home fans.
Joseph also thought he had Head caught behind to secure a five-wicket haul – he punched the air in delight – but the third umpire deemed the ball did not carry. The Guyanese paceman finished with impressive figures of 4-46 off 16 overs, while opening bowling partner Jayden Seales bagged 5-60 after running through Australia tail.
Australia’s new World Test Championship cycle began in disastrous fashion as the visitors slumped to 3-22 in the 16th over in front of hundreds of travelling Australian fans enjoying the sights and sounds of the Caribbean.
West Indies’ Shamar Joseph celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Beau Webster during day one. Credit: AP
Konstas’ first opportunity at the top of the order since the Sydney Test in January ended early when he was trapped in front by Joseph for three off 14 balls. It was simply a case of not getting bat on ball as replays showed the ball hitting the top of leg stump.
The West Indian star had said before the match he wanted to take it to Konstas and landed an impressive first blow ahead of more tantalising battles over the series.
It could have been even worse for Australia as West Indies debutant Brandon King dropped Green two balls later on zero.
Green’s tentative start did not improve as he perished for three, having come off innings of four and zero against South Africa in the WTC final.
A day after Australian great Adam Gilchrist questioned Green’s suitability as the side’s long-term No.3, the West Australian recorded his fourth single digit score in his past five Test innings.
Australia’s Usman Khawaja walks off the field after being caught by West Indies’ Shai Hope. Credit: AP
Khawaja was also dropped on six but made the most of his good fortune.
When the side’s new No.4, Josh Inglis, skied a Jayden Seales delivery and was caught for five off 15 balls, Australia were on the ropes and in major strife at 3-22.
Head and Khawaja got Australia back on track with an 89-run partnership before the latter edged Joseph to Shai Hope at first slip.
Australia’s new-look top order, without Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne for the first time since 2018, were unable to nullify Joseph’s crafty swing bowling.
After recovering to be 3-111, Australia lost 7-69 to be bowled out for 180.
The West Indies have not beaten Australia in a Test in the Caribbean since 2003.
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