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 headed to the tea interval on 6-138, with Travis Head unbeaten on 59 and Alex Carey out last ball of the middle session for eight.
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, leaving the Guyanese paceman with impressive figures of 4-30 off 13 overs at tea.
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.
