Wickets Tumble in Bridgetown as Australia and West Indies Battle for Test Supremacy

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)

A day of dominating bowling performances saw 14 wickets fall as Australia and the West Indies commenced their first Test match in Barbados. The hosts first dismissed Australia for a modest 180, only to then lose four wickets themselves, closing the day at 57-4 at Kensington Oval on Wednesday.

The West Indies' fast bowlers, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph, proved a handful for the Australian batsmen. Seales spearheaded the attack, claiming five wickets for 60 runs, while Joseph supported strongly with four for 46.

Seeking their first home Test victory against Australia in over two decades, the West Indies bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the day's play.

Joseph, fresh off a match-winning seven-wicket haul against Australia in Brisbane 17 months prior, continued his impressive form by dismantling the top order, removing four of the initial six Australian wickets.

The Australian innings was also plagued by fielding errors, with debutant Brandon King dropping three catches at gully. Captain Roston Chase also missed a vital catch, giving Usman Khawaja a reprieve when he was on six.

Despite the shaky start, Khawaja went on to contribute a valuable 47 runs, forming a crucial 89-run partnership with Travis Head after Australia had stumbled to 22-3 in the morning session. Head emerged as the top scorer, with 59 runs, including nine boundaries from 78 balls.

Australia's decision to bat first after winning the toss faced immediate scrutiny as Joseph quickly removed Sam Konstas and Cameron Green.

Seales struck in the morning, dismissing Josh Inglis and later returning to remove Alex Carey just before tea. He then wrapped up the Australian innings by claiming the wickets of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.

"This was really special for me," Seales commented. "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 retaliated in the final session. Starc dismissed both openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell.

Cummins accounted for Keacy Carty, and Hazlewood removed nightwatchman Jomel Warrican, leaving Brandon King and Roston Chase to see out the day.

The West Indies batting faced stern examination during the late evening session, with their top order struggling against the relentless Australian pace.

The match hangs in the balance as it heads into day two, with both teams showcasing their bowling strength on a pitch favoring the quicks.

The three-match series opener has already highlighted the fierce competition between the two bowling attacks, setting the stage for an enthralling contest in the days to come.