West Indies Pace Barrage Rocks Australia, DRS Errors Fuel Controversy in Barbados Test

The West Indies' formidable pace attack once again exposed vulnerabilities in Australia's batting lineup, leaving the visitors struggling at 92 for four at the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test at Kensington Oval.

Umpire decisions spark controversy, overshadowing the on-field action.

After being dismissed for 190, a mere 10 runs behind Australia's first-innings total of 180, the West Indies maintained relentless pressure, ensuring a closely contested match. Australia currently holds a lead of 82 runs with six wickets remaining, setting the stage for a gripping third day.

Day 2 in Barbados was filled with intense action, witnessing 10 wickets fall following the 14 from the opening day. However, controversial decisions by the third umpire drew significant attention, visibly frustrating the West Indies team.

Travis Head, renowned for his aggressive and counter-attacking approach, is set to resume batting on Day 3 alongside all-rounder Beau Webster. Each of the four West Indian bowlers who participated in Australia's second innings managed to take a wicket, keeping their team firmly in contention.

Alzarri Joseph, who went wicketless in the first innings, made a crucial breakthrough in the final session by trapping Usman Khawaja lbw. Shamar Joseph, who had set an aggressive tone on Day 1, faced a frustrating moment when Sam Konstas was dropped twice in the same over in the slips. However, persistence paid off as Konstas later dragged a delivery onto his stumps.

Jayden Seales, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, struck again by dismissing Josh Inglis for the second time in the match, bowling him as the batter offered no shot.

Australia's experiment with Cameron Green at number three continued to yield unfavorable results, as he edged a delivery from Justin Greaves to first slip, departing cheaply once again.

Earlier in the day, a crucial 67-run partnership between West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope stabilized the innings after a shaky start at 72 for five in the morning session. Debutant Brandon King, who contributed 26 runs, was bowled shouldering arms to Josh Hazlewood.

Controversial Dismissals Spark Debate

Controversy arose shortly after lunch when Roston Chase, playing his 50th Test and returning to the format after more than two years, was adjudged leg-before to Pat Cummins. Television umpire Adrian Holdstock made the decision despite replays indicating that Chase had edged the ball onto his pads.

Holdstock was once again in the spotlight when Shai Hope, on 48, was ruled out caught down the leg side by a diving Alex Carey, giving Webster his second wicket. Hope was almost back to the pavilion, convinced he was out, but multiple replays indicated the ball may have touched the ground as Carey completed the catch. Despite this, Holdstock upheld the decision.

Alzarri Joseph contributed an unbeaten 23, but the West Indies innings concluded shortly thereafter. Mitchell Starc emerged as Australia's most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 65.

Commenting on the disputed dismissals, Starc said, "We can only ask the questions."

"That's what we have the technology for. The questions have to be asked in that direction, not at the players."

Reflecting on the state of the match, Starc noted that the pitch was keeping things competitive.

"Throughout the two days it's shown that if you bowl in the right areas there are enough chances (created)," he said.

"Even when the ball got older or was changed it still did some sideways stuff so the bowlers have been in the game throughout so far and that is likely to continue tomorrow."