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ABC News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Australia's first Test win came down to skill — theirs held up, the West Indies' didn't
For a match that appeared evenly poised at the end of day two, Australia's crushing 153-run Test victory over the West Indies was remarkable in its scale. Mid-way through day two of the first Test in Barbados, the hosts held a 10-run first innings lead. Australia had been bowled out for just 180 on the first day having won the toss and batted. In the second innings, the visitors were 4-65 after another woeful top order batting display. A thrilling Test match was assured, wasn't it? Alas, Test match cricket does nothing if not exploit and expose the inadequacies between the very best and the rest — and Josh Hazlewood is very much among the best. The 34-year-old was absolutely unplayable on a wearing, minefield of a pitch. His five-over second spell was almost mythical, a fitting addition to the tapestry that is the Kensington Oval, one of the world's most storied Test grounds. But the game was in the balance — a couple of quick wickets and Australia would have been defending a far more modest score than the 301 runs they managed to accrue. The hardest thing for the West Indies to accept may well be that the chance to take that early wicket presented itself in the fourth over of the day. Travis Head, on 21, gifted an edge to second slip off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph. Justin Greaves at second slip did what too many of his teammates had done throughout the Test. He dropped it cold. The West Indies were, unfortunately, found lacking in the basic skills of the game — catching. It's a troubling issue and one that is not unknown to the West Indies. The host broadcaster showed a graphic before the start of play on day three that highlighted that the West Indies were the worst catchers in Test cricket at slips and gully, snaring just 65.6 per cent of their chances in Tests since 2023. In this Test they caught a truly woeful 36 per cent of their chances in that area. In a game where the hosts put seven catches down, how does one determine which was the defining drop of the contest? The first? That one shelled by Brendon King no doubt set the tone for the shambles that followed. But realistically it was the one on that third morning. Australia was 4-107 at he time, their lead under 100. Head went on to score 61, his second half century of the match as part of a 102-run partnership with Beau Webster. While Head continued where he left off with his first innings, Webster's half century was just a continuation of the norm for what has been a superb start to Test cricket. Victim to a brute of a ball in the first innings to be out for 11, in this second stint he was immense. In what was just his eighth Test match innings, the 31-year-old Tasmanian scored his third half century and did so with impressive composure. His height allows him to easily get down the pitch and his timing through the covers was simply sublime. With two crucial wickets in the West Indies batting innings on day two already under his belt, the man from Snug is looking increasingly secure in that all rounder role. Alex Carey also impressed with a well-paced counter attacking display that saw him shift roles three times throughout his stay. After playing the supporting role to Webster early and stepping back into that familiar tail end hand holder at the end of his stay, he still blasted a 40-ball half century — his fastest in Tests — with the final 40 runs coming in 15 balls, including a monstrous six back over Jayden Seales' head that crashed into the sightscreen. It was a brutal display of power that illustrated just how valuable he is down at number seven, the Jekyll and Hyde position that has to adapt and shift to the circumstances in front of him. But the impetus Australia managed to gain still, arguably, came from that dropped catch in the first hour. After day two, coach Daren Sammy rightly pointing out that his team were "shooting ourselves in the foot" more than anything else. The 38-Test capped Saint Lucian may have hoped that by vocalising the issue his team would holster their self-destructive weapons for day three. Instead, they loaded them right back up and continued to aim at their own boots. The honour board of West Indian catching incompetence for this Test is lengthy and frustrating, a blight on the heroes of 1975 who were being honoured on the 50th anniversary of the West Indies' Cricket World Cup triumph in 1975 at the ground on the opening day. Brandon King, on debut, had three entries in the first day: Cameron Green (0), Usman Khawaja (45) and Nathan Lyon (3). Fortunately for him, those particular drops cost the West Indies just 11 runs. The skipper, Roston Chase, was not so lucky — Khawaja added 41 more runs after he was dropped on 6 by him at first slip. On day two, add John Campbell at third slip and Justin Greaves at second both dropped Sam Konstas in a single Shamar Joseph over while he was on 0. Again, to the West Indies' relief, Konstas failed to capitalise, only managing another 5 runs before being bowled. Head was a different story. "Holding onto that catch could have changed the game," former West Indies player Carlos Brathwaite said on ESPN. So was it the catching that has cost the West Indies the match? It's clearly not the only thing given Australia's bowling brilliance. As the Kensington Oval pitch began to crumble, Hazlewood came to the fore. Hazlewood's recent susceptibility to injury has given Australia a look ahead to a near future where this brilliant pace-bowling trio will no longer be around. But his phenomenal five-over spell of 4-5 showed that Australia still needs him. Mitch Starc and Pat Cummins also claimed wickets among the seamers, but the strength of this pace triumvirate is its ability to work together. But it was that brilliant burst from the Tamworth tearaway that caught the eye most. On a pitch offering plenty of assistance, its erratic nature was exploited by the kind of unerring accuracy that has become this seam attack's signature characteristic. Should the West Indies first innings lead have been more? Undoubtedly, the desperately poor third umpiring decisions made by Adrian Holdstock that may yet result in the West Indies issuing a formal complaint against the South African no doubt cruelled any prospect that the West Indies had of turning that narrow lead into one that was far more substantial. "Me and Shai Hope, we were having a good partnership and then, obviously a few calls set us back a bit," Chase said at the post-match presentation. "I still thought we did well to get the lead, but we couldn't put any batting innings together." That much is true, but the West Indies must also take ownership of their own frailties — such a woeful catching display will rarely lead to Test victories against a team of Australia's calibre. The second Test in Grenada gets underway on July 4. Not a long enough break to cure the catching woes. But perhaps short enough to get back on the horse and make things right through their own actions.
ABC News
15 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Five quick hits: Josh Hazlewood snares five and Shamar Joseph goes long with the bat
Australia completed a massive 159-run first Test victory over the West Indies on an action-packed third day. A wearing pitch, another terrible West Indies drop in the slips and Josh Hazlewood's rapid-fire "five-fa" all combined for a memorable day's cricket. Here are five quick hits from day three in Barbados. Although the West Indies had dropped seven catches over the first two days in Barbados, none of them had proved to be too consequential. Sooner or later, however, one was bound to come back to bite them. And when, during just the fourth over of the day, Justin Greaves shelled yet another chance in the cordon, that moment had finally come. Travis Head hung his bat out to a wide Alzarri Joseph delivery, looping one in the direction of a diving Greaves at a comfortable speed and height. The ball went in, and then out, and Head was given a life on 21. From there he went on to score 61 as part of a 102-run partnership with Beau Webster, Australia's lead 157 and well on the way to being enough to secure victory on a pitch showing increasingly variable bounce. Joseph has had rotten luck this Test. A questionable third umpire call robbing him of a five-fa in the first innings, and five dropped catches off his bowling costing both him and the West Indies plenty more. He's had to do it all himself at times, as was the case when Head eventually fell for 61. Joseph's delivery was a peach but, crucially, virtually unplayable, barely bouncing and cleaning up Australia's best batter. It was far from the only time the pitch played a role in taking a wicket. Mitch Starc was cleaned up by a ball that jagged in a huge distance from outside off, again Joseph the bowler. Yes, it was a crucial breakthrough that the West Indies desperately needed. But it made Australia's bowlers sit up a little straighter as they contemplated bowling on a wearing and cracking pitch. Batting at number seven, you often have to be everything to everyone. Joining an established upper-order player in the middle, your role is to sit quietly and make sure your partner is confident they won't have to worry about farming the strike, and just continue to bat as they were. Batting with the tail, you have to show composure with one hand to farm the strike and extend the innings as long as possible, while also flashing any loose deliveries away to keep the scoreboard ticking over. It's Jekyll and Hyde. Alex Carey showed he was perfectly adapted to it. Starting with Webster, Carey made 10 runs in 25 balls. After his dismissal he scored 40 in 15, blasting the ball to all corners of the ground to record his fastest ever Test half century. As Pat Cummins and Starc fell, Carey went back into his shell, masterfully steering the ball around the field, selecting his running options and shielding Nathan Lyon as much as possible — while also ramping Joseph for a one-bounce four. The game was very much gone. But Joseph sure wasn't going to go quietly. At one stage he was on track to score the fastest ever Test half century as he smashed Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon to all corners of the famous Kensington Oval. Having already taken 9-133 in the match with the ball, Shamar's fireworks were astonishing — especially given the West Indies were 8-86 and facing a monster defeat. He hit four 4s and four 6s in his 22-ball innings but ultimately fell just short of a maiden Test half century. But it was fun while it lasted. All it took was two Hazlewood deliveries. The West Indies, a first over Starc strike aside, had made a promising start to their run chase. John Campbell had played expressively for his 23, but he took things a step too far when he got down to scoop Hazlewood over the slips on one knee in the 11th over. The ball glanced off the glove, looping high into the air but, crucially, not far. Carey cantered back a couple paces and took an easy catch. Then, the very next ball, Brandon King edged onto his pads only to see the ball balloon to Cameron Green at gully.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
DRS howlers and fiery pacers headline Day 2 of WI vs AUS Test in Barbados
AFP Photo NEW DELHI: West Indies' pace attack once again exposed the fragility of Australia's top order, reducing the visitors to 92 for four at stumps on Day 2 of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Thursday. After being bowled out for 190 — trailing by just 10 runs in reply to Australia's first innings total of 180 — the home side kept the pressure on, leaving the match finely poised. Australia now lead by 82 runs with six wickets remaining, setting the stage for a tense third day. It was another action-packed day in Barbados, with 10 wickets falling following the 14 that tumbled on the opening day. But beyond the wickets, much of the focus was on controversial third-umpire decisions that left the West Indies camp visibly frustrated. Travis Head, known for his aggressive counter-attacking style across formats, will resume on Day 3 alongside all-rounder Beau Webster . All four West Indian bowlers used in Australia's second innings struck once, keeping their side in the hunt. After going wicketless in the first innings, Alzarri Joseph made the breakthrough in the final session, trapping Usman Khawaja lbw. Shamar Joseph, who had set the tone on Day 1, endured a frustrating moment when Sam Konstas was dropped twice in the same over in the slips. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo But persistence paid off 20 minutes later when Konstas dragged a delivery back onto his stumps. Jayden Seales, who took five wickets in the first innings, struck again by dismissing Josh Inglis for the second time in the match — this time bowling him as the batter offered no shot. Australia's ongoing experiment with Cameron Green at number three continued to falter, as he edged medium-pacer Justin Greaves to first slip, departing cheaply once again. Earlier in the day, a 67-run partnership between West Indies skipper Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope helped stabilize the innings after they slumped to 72 for five in the morning session. Debutant Brandon King, who contributed 26, was bowled shouldering arms to Josh Hazlewood. – Controversial Dismissals – Controversy resurfaced shortly after lunch when Roston Chase — playing his 50th Test and making a return to the format after more than two years — was adjudged leg-before to Pat Cummins. Television umpire Adrian Holdstock made the call, despite replays suggesting Chase had edged the ball onto his pads. Holdstock was 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 had nearly reached 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 chipped in with an unbeaten 23, but the West Indies innings wrapped up soon after. Mitchell Starc finished as Australia's most successful bowler 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." Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Travis Head leading Australia's survival against West Indies on Day 2
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Travis Head was leading another Australia attempt to be competitive against the West Indies on Thursday in a first test that may not go beyond three days at Kensington Oval. West Indies claimed a 10-run first-innings lead when it was bowled for 190. Australia then rallied from 65-4 to 92-4 by stumps on day two. Australia led by 82 runs with all the pressure seemingly on Head to survive. He counterpunched in the first innings with the only half-century of the test so far but bunkered down in the second innings to defy another brilliant effort by the West Indies quicks. For his stubbornness, Head copped a blow on his left glove from Alzarri Joseph in the day's second-to-last over. Head was 13 not out off 37 balls with support from Beau Webster, 19 not out off 24. After 14 wickets tumbled on day one, 10 were claimed on day two on a pitch still offering seam and movement for the speedsters. ___ AP cricket:
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Travis Head leading Australia's survival against West Indies on Day 2
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — Travis Head was leading another Australia attempt to be competitive against the West Indies on Thursday in a first test that may not go beyond three days at Kensington Oval. West Indies claimed a 10-run first-innings lead when it was bowled for 190. Australia then rallied from 65-4 to 92-4 by stumps on day two. Australia led by 82 runs with all the pressure seemingly on Head to survive. He counterpunched in the first innings with the only half-century of the test so far but bunkered down in the second innings to defy another brilliant effort by the West Indies quicks. For his stubbornness, Head copped a blow on his left glove from Alzarri Joseph in the day's second-to-last over. Head was 13 not out off 37 balls with support from Beau Webster, 19 not out off 24. After 14 wickets tumbled on day one, 10 were claimed on day two on a pitch still offering seam and movement for the speedsters. ___ AP cricket:
