Australia, West Indies Trade Blows as 14 Wickets Tumble on Day 1 in Bridgetown

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 opening day of the first Test match between Australia and West Indies in Barbados witnessed a dramatic battle between bat and ball, with a total of 14 wickets falling at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. The West Indies bowlers dismantled the Australian batting lineup, dismissing them for a modest 180. However, the hosts then faltered, losing four wickets to close the day at 57-4.

Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph spearheaded the West Indies' bowling attack, consistently troubling the Australian batsmen. Seales finished with impressive figures of 5 for 60, while Joseph claimed 4 for 46.

The West Indies are aiming for their first home Test victory against Australia in 22 years. Their bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the day, capitalizing on a helpful pitch.

Joseph, fresh off a match-winning seven-wicket performance against Australia in Brisbane 17 months prior, continued his rich vein of form by dismissing four of the first six Australian batsmen.

The Australian innings was plagued by dropped catches, with debutant Brandon King putting down three opportunities at gully. Captain Roston Chase also missed a crucial catch when Usman Khawaja was on six.

Khawaja capitalised on the reprieve to score 47 runs, forming a vital 89-run partnership with Travis Head after Australia had slumped to 22-3 in the morning session. Head top-scored with 59 runs, hitting nine boundaries in his 78-ball innings.

Australia's decision to bat first after winning the toss soon backfired as Joseph removed Sam Konstas and Cameron Green early in the innings.

Seales added to the pressure, claiming the wicket of Josh Inglis in the morning session and later dismissing Alex Carey just before tea. He then wrapped 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. Starc dismissed both West Indies 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 faced a stern test during the late evening session, with their top order struggling against the pace and hostility of the Australian bowlers.

The match hangs in the balance heading into day two. Both teams have demonstrated their bowling prowess on a pitch that has offered assistance to the fast bowlers.

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