In the lead-up to the first Test match between Australia and the West Indies, Ian Healy dared young bowler Shamar Joseph to perform, and he certainly delivered. Joseph, who gained prominence in Australia during the 2024 series, quickly placed the Aussies under pressure, dismissing Sam Konstas and Cam Green for just three runs each, leaving Australia at a vulnerable 2-14.
Pat Cummins, having won the toss and chosen to bat at Kensington Oval, saw his decision questioned as Jayden Seales claimed the crucial wicket of Josh Inglis, who was out for five runs, pushing the score to 3-22. The Australian batting order appeared shaky, but Travis Head and Usman Khawaja stabilised the innings with an impressive partnership of 89 runs. However, Khawaja fell to Joseph after scoring 47, marking Joseph’s third wicket of the innings.
As the day progressed, Australia struggled, reaching 6-138 by tea, with Beau Webster dismissed by Joseph for 11 and Alex Carey out for eight. Upon the resumption of play, Head also succumbed shortly after reaching a half-century, caught for 59 by Justin Greaves. The Australian innings continued to falter, with Mitchell Starc dismissed for a duck, leaving the team in a precarious position at 8-143.
Commentator Callum Ferguson noted the West Indies’ spirited performance, and even as Pat Cummins added 28 runs to the total, he too fell to Kraigg Brathwaite, leaving bowler Josh Hazlewood to finish the innings. Hazlewood managed to score four runs before falling, and Australia found themselves bowled out for a total of just 180 runs. Joseph’s outstanding performance was capped by Seales taking 5 wickets for 60 runs, heralding a strong start for the West Indies in the Test series.