Australia and West Indies engaged in a fierce bowling battle on the opening day of their first Test match in Barbados, with the hosts dismissing Australia for 180 before losing four quick wickets to end the day at 57-4 at Kensington Oval on Wednesday.West Indies fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph dominated the Australian batting lineup, with Seales taking five wickets for 60 runs and Joseph claiming four for 46.The West Indies, seeking their first home Test victory against Australia in 22 years, saw their bowlers maintain consistent pressure throughout the day.Joseph, who had previously recorded a match-winning seven-wicket haul against Australia in Brisbane 17 months ago, continued his impressive form by removing four of the first six Australian wickets.The Australian innings was marked by missed opportunities in the field, with debutant Brandon King dropping three chances at gully. Captain Roston Chase also dropped a crucial catch when Usman Khawaja was on six.Khawaja went on to score 47 runs and formed a crucial 89-run partnership with Travis Head after Australia had slumped to 22-3 in the morning session. Head top-scored with 59 runs, including nine boundaries in his 78-ball innings.Australia’s decision to bat first after winning the toss quickly came under scrutiny as Joseph removed Sam Konstas and Cameron Green early in the innings.Seales claimed the wicket of Josh Inglis in the morning session and later dismissed Alex Carey just before tea. He then cleaned up the tail by removing Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.“This was really special for me,” Seales said. “I was injured when last I played a Test against them so to come back here and get five was really satisfying. With the new ball we knew we had to bowl a bit fuller. This pitch was also a bit slower than the Australians would have expected and that worked in our favour with them playing at balls they didn’t have to.”The Australian pace attack responded strongly in the final session, with Starc dismissing both openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell.Cummins removed Keacy Carty while Hazlewood took the wicket of nightwatchman Jomel Warrican, leaving Brandon King and Roston Chase at the crease at stumps.The West Indies batting performance was particularly challenged during the late evening session, with their top order struggling against the Australian pace attack.
The match remains evenly poised heading into day two, with both teams having shown their bowling prowess on a pitch that has favored the pacers.The three-match series opener has already displayed the competitive nature of both teams’ bowling attacks, setting up an intriguing contest for the remaining days.