Wickets Tumble as Australia, West Indies Trade Punches in Bridgetown Test

Captain Roston Chase congratulates bowler Shamar Joseph, second from left, during day one of the first cricket Test match against Australia at Kensington Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

The first day of the Test match between Australia and West Indies at Kensington Oval in Barbados saw a dramatic collapse of wickets, with 14 falling in total. Australia were dismissed for a modest 180, after which the West Indies closed the day at 57-4.

The West Indies' pace bowlers, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph, proved to be a formidable force, causing significant trouble for the Australian batsmen. Seales finished with figures of 5 for 60, while Joseph took 4 for 46.

The West Indies are aiming for their first home Test victory against Australia in over two decades, and their bowlers set a strong foundation by maintaining relentless pressure.

Joseph, who famously took seven wickets against Australia in Brisbane 17 months prior, continued his impressive form, claiming four of the first six Australian wickets to fall.

However, the Australian innings was also characterized by errors in the field. Debutant Brandon King dropped three catches at gully, and captain Roston Chase missed a crucial opportunity when Usman Khawaja was on six.

Khawaja capitalized on his reprieve to score 47, forming a vital 89-run partnership with Travis Head after Australia had stumbled to 22-3 in the morning session. Head emerged as the top scorer, contributing 59 runs off 78 balls, including nine boundaries.

Australia's decision to bat first after winning the toss faced immediate scrutiny as Joseph swiftly removed Sam Konstas and Cameron Green.

Seales added to the damage by dismissing Josh Inglis before tea, and later returned to dismantle the tail, taking the wickets of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.

"This was really special for me," Seales commented. "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 fiercely in the final session. Starc removed both West Indies openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell.

Cummins then dismissed Keacy Carty, and Hazlewood claimed the wicket of nightwatchman Jomel Warrican, leaving Brandon King and Roston Chase to see out the day.

The West Indies' batting lineup faced a stern test during the evening session, struggling against the quality of the Australian pace attack.

The match is finely balanced as it heads into day two. Both teams have demonstrated their bowling strengths on a pitch that appears to favor pace.

This opening match of the three-Test series has highlighted the competitive nature of both bowling attacks, promising an engaging contest in the days to come.