Seales led the charge with an impressive 5 for 60, marking his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket, all achieved on home soil. Joseph complemented him well with 4 for 46, showcasing a spirited display reminiscent of the West Indies’ storied fast-bowling tradition.
As the day came to a close, West Indies found themselves trailing by 123 runs, struggling at 57 for four. Australia’s experienced trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood responded effectively, sharing four wickets to put the West Indies under pressure.
“This one was pretty special,” Seales remarked. “Facing Australia and grabbing five wickets on day one is an incredible feeling. With the new ball, our game plan was to keep it fuller and target the stumps. Shamar was exceptional today, breaking through the top order and easing the workload for us.”
Australia, missing the injured Steve Smith and dropping Marnus Labuschagne from their lineup, faced a tough start. Debutant Sam Konstas was dismissed lbw by Joseph for just 3 runs, and Cameron Green followed shortly after, edging to slip. Wicketkeeper Shai Hope collected four catches throughout the innings, starting with Josh Inglis, who fell to Seales after a pulled shot went awry.
The pivotal partnership of the innings came from Usman Khawaja (47) and Travis Head (59), who managed to stitch together 89 runs for the fourth wicket before Joseph struck again, dismissing Khawaja just shy of his milestone. Australia faltered thereafter, losing 7 wickets for just 69 runs.
Head, who narrowly escaped a controversial review for a low catch, was eventually dismissed after tea, caught off Justin Greaves. Captain Pat Cummins contributed 28 runs, helping push Australia past the 170 mark, but Seales quickly wrapped up the innings in under 57 overs.
Australia’s total of 180 marks their lowest ever in the Caribbean when batting first and their lowest in the region since 1995 in Trinidad.
With an opening to claw back, West Indies fell victim to a stern Australian attack. Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing both openers: Kraigg Brathwaite caught at slip for 4 and John Campbell undone by an outswinger. Cummins accounted for Keacy Carty’s wicket, caught behind for 20, while Josh Hazlewood bowled nightwatchman Jomel Warrican without scoring.
As the players head into day two, the match hangs in the balance, with West Indies looking to fight back and Australia aiming to press their advantage.
Australia’s total of 180 marked their lowest score in the Caribbean after batting first and the lowest in the region since 1995 in Trinidad.
The West Indies saw an opportunity but were quickly quelled by Australia’s pace attack. Mitchell Starc took out both openers—Kraigg Brathwaite edged to second slip for just 4 runs, while John Campbell fell victim to a delivery that swung away sharply. Pat Cummins claimed Keacy Carty, who was caught behind for 20, and Josh Hazlewood dismissed nightwatchman Jomel Warrican for a duck.
Debutant Brandon King, who struggled in the field with three dropped catches, managed to remain unbeaten on 23. He was supported by returning captain Roston Chase, who chipped in with 1* as they endured the closing overs as the light began to fade.
The pitch was dry and cracked, providing movement and bounce throughout the day. Notably, 10 of the 14 wickets were taken by edges, highlighting just how challenging the conditions were for the batters.
This day echoed Australia’s earlier collapse against South Africa in the World Test Championship final, where 14 wickets also fell on the first day at Lord’s. There will undoubtedly be worries in the visiting camp, especially with a revamped batting lineup. Nonetheless, their bowlers did their part, keeping them in contention.
