ISLAMABAD: The opening day of the first Test between Australia and West Indies in Barbados saw fast bowlers from both sides dominate in an intense contest at Kensington Oval.
Australia, opting to bat first, were skittled out for just 180 runs.
However, their bowlers struck back fiercely, reducing West Indies to 57 for four by stumps, keeping the game delicately poised.
The Caribbean side will resume on the second day with Brandon King and captain Roston Chase at the crease.
Windies Pacers Dominate Early
Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph led a ruthless pace attack for the hosts.
Joseph picked up four wickets, tormenting Australia’s top order and removing Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, and Usman Khawaja.
Seales cleaned up the tail, ending with an impressive five for 60—his third career five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Despite several dropped catches, West Indies managed to restrict the visitors effectively.
Australia Strikes Back
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood replicated the intensity of the West Indian bowlers.
Starc removed both openers, Brathwaite and Campbell, early.
Cummins and Hazlewood followed up with key wickets to keep the pressure on the hosts.
Khawaja and Travis Head earlier tried to steady Australia with an 89-run fourth-wicket stand, but Joseph broke the partnership and Australia collapsed again.
With the ball dominating bat on Day 1, the match promises more fireworks as both sides eye early control in the three-match series.
