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The hosts West Indies’ World Test Championship (WTC 2025–27) cycle, got off to a strong start at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, as pacer Shamar Joseph delivered a brilliant opening spell against Australia early on Day 1 of the first Test. In just his first eight overs, Joseph removed Sam Konstas and Cameron Green, giving the hosts crucial breakthroughs.
Coming into this Test series, Australia were looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to their previous World Test Championship cycle, where they suffered a defeat in the final to South Africa. With Steven Smith sidelined due to an injury and Marnus Labuschagne dropped, the Aussies opted for a new top order. Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to put runs on the board.
“We will have a bat first. Looks like a good wicket. Away series is always tough. Pretty much the same as a couple of weeks ago. Smithy would be missed. His catching as well,” Cummins said at the toss.
Joseph drew the first blood in the fourth over. He produced a brilliant in-swinger that trapped Konstas in front. Initially given not out, West Indies reviewed, and ball tracking confirmed it was hitting the leg stump, removing the opener for just three. His second wicket came in the 10th over. Joseph found the outside edge of Green’s bat, handing Justin Greaves a low catch at second slip. Jayden Seales soon picked his first wicket of the day, dismissing Josh Inglis with a short ball.
Watch Shamar Joseph’s sizzling bowling spell against Australia here:
09:19 PM · Jun 25, 2025
Khawaja and Head steady Australia’s innings
Meanwhile, despite the top-order collapse, Usman Khawaja held one end and was well supported by Travis Head. At the time of writing, the visitors’ scorecard read 94/3 after the end of 33 overs. With Beau Webster, Alex Carey, and skipper Cummins still to come in, the Aussies have the required batting depth. However, they would bank on the pair of Khawaja and Head to guide them to a strong position.
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