Australia vs. West Indies: 14 Wickets Tumble as Bowlers Dominate Day 1 in Barbados 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 in Barbados saw a captivating contest between bat and ball, with a total of 14 wickets falling at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. West Indies dismissed Australia for a modest 180, but then lost four wickets of their own to close the day at 57-4.

Spearheading the West Indies' attack were fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph. Seales claimed an impressive five wickets for 60 runs, while Joseph contributed with four wickets for 46.

The West Indies, aiming for their first home Test victory against Australia in over two decades, maintained relentless pressure on the tourists throughout the day.

Joseph, fresh off a match-winning seven-wicket performance against Australia in Brisbane 17 months prior, continued his excellent form by dismantling the top order, removing four of the first six Australian batsmen.

Australia's innings was plagued by fielding errors. 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, scoring 47 runs and forming a vital 89-run partnership with Travis Head after Australia had stumbled to 22-3 early in the session. Head emerged as the top scorer for Australia, smashing 59 runs off 78 balls, including nine boundaries.

Australia's decision to bat first after winning the toss was immediately questioned as Joseph struck early, dismissing Sam Konstas and Cameron Green.

Seales further compounded Australia's woes, claiming the wicket of Josh Inglis in the morning and then removing Alex Carey just before tea. He completed his five-wicket haul by cleaning up the tail, dismissing 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 retaliated strongly in the final session. Starc dismissed both West Indies openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell.

Cummins then removed 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 faced a stern test during the evening session, with their top order struggling against the relentless Australian pace attack.

The match is finely balanced heading into day two, with both teams showcasing their bowling prowess on a pitch that favors pace.

This opening match of the three-Test series has already highlighted the competitive nature of both teams' bowling attacks, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the days to come.