Bridgetown: Australia’s second innings against the West Indies has started in unconvincing fashion, with Usman Khawaja out for 15 and his opening partner Sam Konstas removed for five in dramatic scenes at Kensington Oval.
Early in the final session on day two of the first Test in Barbados, Australia were 2-34 after 11 overs after the West Indies managed a 10-run advantage after both teams’ first innings.
Sam Konstas is bowled by West Indies’ Shamar Joseph on day two of the first cricket Test match at Kensington Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados.Credit: AP
Konstas began his sixth Test innings nervously. He was dropped twice in three balls on zero – from the eighth and 10th delivery of his innings – by West Indies slips fielders John Campbell and Justin Greaves.
The 19-year-old could barely believe his luck as Khawaja walked down the pitch to try and calm his nerves. At one point, Konstas charged down the pitch but didn’t get bat on ball as West Indian opening bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph charged in.
Khawaja, who made 47 runs in the first innings, perished in the ninth over after an inswinger from Alzarri Joseph trapped the left-hander in front.
At 3.28pm local time (5.28am AEST), Konstas’ scratchy innings came to an end as he was bowled by Joseph for five runs off 38 balls. It was the second time in the match Joseph has taken Konstas’ wicket after removing the teenager for three on day one.
Shamar Joseph celebrates after blowing Sam Konstas.Credit: AP
From six Test innings, Konstas has 121 runs at an average of 20.16.
The West Indies have certainly given themselves a fighting chance of recording back-to-back Test wins over Australia for the first time since 1999 after managing a narrow first innings lead in Barbados.
After starting the day at 4-57 in response to Australia’s moderate total of 180, the West Indies were bowled out for 190 after 63.2 overs.
When West Indies No.4 Brandon King (26) was bowled by Josh Hazlewood, the home side were 5-72 and looked like giving up a first innings advantage.
That was until captain Roston Chase (44) and wicketkeeper Shai Hope (48) put on 67 runs for the sixth wicket with a nice mix of solid defence and flashy shots.
Alex Carey took a spectacular catch off Beau Webster to remove Hope, but there was some debate over whether the ball had carried.
Mitchell Starc (3-65) was the best of the Australian bowlers, while Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Webster all chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Alzarri Joseph clubbed a massive six to give the West Indies a first innings lead, much to the pleasure of a local crowd hoping to see their side claim a victory over Australia in the Caribbean for the first time since 2003.
More to come
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