Pink ball carnage in Kingston as Australia lose 7-68 in 15 overs of mayhem
The decision to pick Scott Boland over Nathan Lyon dominated early headlines but quickly faded when Australia, after winning the toss and batting, crumbled on a lively Sabina Park pitch.
It was a curious decision given Australia had gone for a four-pronged pace attack, plus Beau Webster as a fifth option.
The West Indies may have already relinquished the Frank Worrell Trophy following limp batting efforts in Barbados and Grenada, but fast bowler Jayden Seales (3-59) injected much-needed energy, dishing out animated send-offs as his side turned up with purpose on day one.
Australia were bowled out for 225 with 51 minutes remaining on day one, having lost 7-68 in 14.3 overs of mayhem more reminiscent of a T20 collapse than a five-day contest. Whether Lyon would have even bowled remains to be seen given how fast the match is moving.
There were loose strokes and players clearing the front leg in tactics that indicated Australia have no desire to be in Kingston any longer than they need to be for what is effectively a dead rubber.
With regular openers Mikyle Louis and John Campbell sidelined by injury, the hosts were dealt a blow but still finished the day in buoyant spirits at 1-16 and 209 runs behind Australia, with Brandon King (8) and captain Roston Chase (3) unbeaten.
Australia's highest Test total in history was achieved at Sabina Park 70 years ago. Five Australian batsmen made hundreds that day in a total of 8-758 declared, courtesy of 204 from Neil Harvey and 128 from No.8 Richie Benaud.
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