Australia vs West Indies, 1st Test: Windies pacers dominate as Australia collapse in Barbados

West Indies’ pace battery reminded fans of their golden era as Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph ripped through Australia’s top order on Wednesday, skittling them for just 180, on the opening day of the first Test, on a lively Kensington Oval pitch in Barbados.

Seales starred with a superb five-wicket haul, while Joseph’s fiery spell reduced the tourists to 22 for 3, Joseph triggered the collapse by first trapping Sam Konstas lbw and then inducing an edge from Cameron Green to Justin Greaves at slip.

Australia’s middle order briefly steadied the ship through an 89-run stand between Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, but Joseph struck again to dismiss Khawaja for 47 and later saw Greaves claim Head for 59.



With Beau Webster and Alex Carey departing cheaply, Seales returned to dismantle the tail, finishing with figures of 5 for 48.

At stumps, West Indies reached 57 for 4, still trailing by 123, courtesy of a four-wicket burst shared by Australia’s veterans Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Starc struck twice in his opening overs, removing Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, before Cummins had Keacy Carty caught behind. Hazlewood cleaned up nightwatchman Jomel Warrican for a duck, ensuring Australia salvaged some pride.

Australia, already weakened by Steve Smith’s injury and Marnus Labuschagne’s omission, never recovered from their early collapse. West Indies’ fast bowlers, however, capitalized fully, exploiting seam movement and variable bounce to expose a fragile Australian lineup.

"This one was pretty special for me," Seales said after the day's play.

"I have played against (Australia) once, and was injured. To play against them and get five on the first day was pretty special.

"With the new ball, the plan was to bowl fuller. We knew the batters would come hard if we gave them width, and the plan was to bowl full and as much at the stumps as possible."