WI vs AUS, 1st Test: Sam Konstas fails on return as Shamar Joseph decimates top order
West Indies began their new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a strong note, rattling Australia's top order in the first session of the series opener in Barbados on Wednesday. The pace trio of Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Alzarri Joseph exploited helpful conditions to leave Australia reeling early on. Newly-appointed captain Roston Chase, their 38th in Test history, was a happy man at the end of the first session as Australia were 65 for 3 before breaking for lunch.advertisementShamar Joseph, who has enjoyed previous success against Australia, was the standout performer in the morning session. Bowling with pace and precision, he thrilled the Kensington Oval crowd and struck the first blow by trapping teenage opener Sam Konstas LBW for just 3.Konstas, returning to the side in place of Marnus Labuschagne, struggled against the new ball. On a pitch offering early seam movement due to morning moisture, he looked uncomfortable against both Joseph and Seales. Joseph set him up brilliantly in the fourth over, moving a couple of deliveries away before bringing one back into the pads. The West Indies successfully reviewed the on-field not-out call to send Konstas back to the pavilion.
Konstas, who made headlines with his debut during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, failed to make an impact on his return to the Test side.advertisementAustralia's woes deepened when Cameron Green, batting at No. 3, was dropped on 0 but failed to capitalise, edging to slips for just 3. Shamar Joseph could have had a third scalp, but Chase put down a chance in the eighth over-his first match opening the bowling in Tests. Green has struggled at the new spot. He managed just four runs across two innings in the WTC final.The West Indies bowlers dominated the session, with Seales and Joseph delivering a probing opening spell. Runs were hard to come by, and Australia managed just 19 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first hour of play (12 overs).Double strike from ShamarJoseph removes Konstas and Green in quick time — Aussies under early pressure on Day 1!#WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/Umfo4UaYWJ— FanCode (@FanCode) June 25, 2025Australia's innings suffered another setback when Josh Inglis, filling in for injured Steve Smith at No. 4, played a loose pull shot and was dismissed for 5. Frustrated by the tight bowling and lack of boundaries, Inglis gifted his wicket.However, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head steadied the ship somewhat, adding 43 runs for the fourth wicket and ensuring no further damage before lunch.West Indies used five bowlers in the opening session-Shamar, Seales, Alzarri, captain Roston Chase, and Justin Greaves-to maintain pressure on the visitors.Australia, still reeling from their World Test Championship final loss to South Africa, are keen to rebound. Meanwhile, the West Indies, under new leadership in Roston Chase, are aiming for a strong start to their WTC campaign after finishing second-last in each of the previous three cycles.- EndsMust Watch
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