FIRST DAY OF FIRST TEST MATCH AT KENSINGTON OVAL

by David Harris

The West Indies were 57 for four wickets, in reply to Australia’s total of 180 after 14 wickets fell on the opening day of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. 

Brandon King playing in his first Test match is unbeaten on 23, and captain Roston Chase not out on one run. 

Pacers Jayden Seales and Shemar Joseph shared nine wickets found movement on a pitch that helped the bowlers. The visitors were in trouble at 22 for three wickets in the 16 th over. Opener Sam Konstas (3) was trapped lbw by Joseph; the young fast bowler could have captured two wickets in the over if King had not dropped Cameron Green. 

Eventually, Joseph had Green (3) caught by Justin Greaves at second slip, and Josh Inglis (5) was caught at the wicket by Shai Hope off Seales.   Veteran opener Usman Khawaja (47) and Travis Head (59) counterattack the bowlers in a fourth wicket partnership of 89 runs. 

Khawaja who was dropped on six and 45 faced 128 balls and struck four fours and a six before Joseph forced him to under-edge a ball into the gloves of Hope. His dismissal started a collapse that saw seven wickets falling for 69 runs, including the wicket of Head. The aggressive left-handed batter faced 78 balls and struck nine attractive fours before he was dismissed by Justin Greaves. 

The Australians batted for 56.5 over; Joseph who captured four wickets for 46 runs was the pick of the bowlers, while Seales was the most successful with five wickets for 60 runs from 15.5 overs. 

After their impressive performance from the bowlers, the West Indies needed a strong effort from their batters, but they soon tottering on 16 for two wickets after fast bowler Mitchell Starc quickly dismissed openers  Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and John Campbell (7). 

Keacy Carthy (20) and King stopped the slide by adding 36 runs for the third wickets before Carthy was caught by the wicketkeeper Alex Carey off pacer Pat Cummins. The West Indies were wobbling at 53 for four wickets when Jomel Warrican was bowled by Josh Hazlewood without scoring.   

Starc has picked up two wickets for 35 runs, while Cummins and Hazlewood have taken a wicket apiece.