WI vs AUS, 1st Test: Seales, Shamar Joseph Rock Australia on Gripping 14-Wicket Day.
West Indies fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph breathed new life into the Caribbean pace legacy, combining for nine wickets to dismiss Australia for just 180 on a dramatic opening day of the first Test at Kensington Oval.
Seales claimed 5 for 60 — his third Test five-wicket haul — while Joseph ripped through the top order with 4 for 46. In response, Australia’s bowlers struck back, reducing West Indies to 57 for 4 at stumps, leaving the contest finely balanced.
“This one was pretty special,” Seales said. “To play against Australia and get five on the first day was special… Shamar was special today.”
Australia, without the injured Steve Smith and having dropped Marnus Labuschagne, fielded a reshuffled top order that faltered early. Debutant Sam Konstas and Cameron Green fell in quick succession to Joseph, while Josh Inglis top-edged Seales to give Shai Hope the first of his four catches behind the stumps.
A 89-run stand between Usman Khawaja (47) and Travis Head (59) offered some resistance, but Khawaja’s dismissal sparked a collapse. Australia lost 7 for 69, with Seales running through the lower order to wrap up the innings in under 57 overs — their lowest first-innings total in the Caribbean since 1995.
Australia’s bowlers responded with early blows. Mitchell Starc removed both West Indies openers, Pat Cummins had Keacy Carty caught behind, and Josh Hazlewood bowled nightwatchman Jomel Warrican for a duck.
Brandon King, making his debut and recovering from a tough day in the field with three dropped chances, remained unbeaten on 23. He was joined by returning captain Roston Chase (1*) as the West Indies looked to rebuild on Day 2.
With bounce and movement on a dry, cracked surface, batting remained a challenge — 10 of the 14 wickets fell to edges. The day bore eerie similarity to Australia’s top-order struggles in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, where 14 wickets also tumbled on the opening day.
As things stand, both teams are in the fight — but the momentum, for now, tilts slightly toward a resurgent West Indies attack.
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