Aussie Bats Falter, Windies Get Wickets in Kingston Test

Injuries and uneven scores mark Day 1 in Jamaica

A day of mixed fortunes saw Australia struggle with the bat, reaching a score of 225, while the West Indies faced injury setbacks but managed to grab a wicket before the close of play at Sabina Park.

Lyon’s Absence and Australia’s Batting Woes

In a surprising move, off-spinner Nathan Lyon was left out of the starting XI, marking only the eighth match he’s missed in 14 years and the fifth time while fit. Australia chose to include Scott Boland, adding a fourth fast bowler, anticipating the pitch conditions would favor pace.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia’s top order struggled. Openers faced difficulties, and a familiar pattern of a lower-middle order rally was needed to reach a vaguely respectable total.

West Indies’ Injury Woes

The West Indies faced their own challenges, with injuries to Mikyle Louis and John Campbell, who were both sent to hospital for examination after sustaining injuries in the field. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph also underwent scans for a niggle but returned to the ground later. Despite these setbacks, two makeshift openers, Brandon King and Kevlon Anderson, stepped up.

Currently trailing by 209 runs, the West Indies will hope their scheduled openers can bat on day two.

Individual Performances and Key Moments

Sam Konstas, after a shaky start in Grenada, showed more restraint but fell for 17, trapped lbw by Justin Greaves. Usman Khawaja battled for 92 balls, scoring 23 runs, before being caught by keeper Shai Hope off Shamar Joseph’s bowling.

A partnership between Cameron Green and Steve Smith initially stabilized the innings. Green reached 46 before being bowled by Jayden Seales, while Smith’s uncharacteristic 48 ended with a nick to first slip.

According to a recent report by ESPNcricinfo, the average first innings score at Sabina Park in day-night Tests is 285, indicating that Australia’s total is below par ESPNcricinfo 2024.

Late-Order Hitting and Quick Collapse

Following the evening break, Australia accelerated, with Alex Carey scoring 14 off six balls. Travis Head was caught after a diving catch from sub fielder Anderson Phillip. Carey was out for 21, and Pat Cummins hit three sixes for 24 before being caught out. The innings concluded with a collapse of 7 for 68 in under 15 overs.

Mitchell Starc then bowled Anderson, securing his 396th Test wicket, leaving West indies at 1 for 16.

While Australia managed to grab an early wicket, the West Indies will rely on King and Roston Chase to steady the ship on day two, hoping their injured players will recover overnight.