Bridgetown (Barbados), June 26 (UNI) West Indies fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph tore through Australia’s batting order on a lively Kensington Oval surface, sharing nine wickets on the opening day of the first Test to bowl the visitors out for a modest 180 — their lowest first-innings total in the Caribbean since 1995.

After opting to bat, Australia quickly found themselves in trouble at 22 for 3, as Shamar Joseph struck early and often, with support from Seales. Though Usman Khawaja (56) and Travis Head (59) briefly repaired the innings with an 89-run stand, the revival was short-lived as the tourists slumped in a dramatic collapse, losing 7 for 69.

Joseph’s fiery spells, which yielded 4 wickets for 43, were backed by Seales’ clinical finishing act, who grabbed 5 for 50 — his third Test five-wicket haul. Joseph could have had more if not for four dropped catches, including two off his bowling.

Khawaja was dropped twice, first on 6 and again on 45, but his luck ran out when Joseph induced a bottom-edge pull. Head, who scored a brisk fifty, was controversially given not out on 55 after a low catch appeal was overturned by the third umpire, a decision that left the West Indies visibly frustrated. However, Seales removed him soon after tea.

Australia's total gained late significance as their bowlers returned fire. Mitchell Starc struck early with the ball, removing Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell to leave the hosts at 16 for 2. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood continued the pressure, claiming a wicket each as West Indies closed at 55 for 4.

Debutant Brandon King endured a difficult day, dropping three catches, including two at gully, and one of Khawaja that could have shifted the balance earlier. Despite this, he and Keacy Carty showed some resolve before both were undone by sharp deliveries from Cummins and Hazlewood, respectively.

Earlier, Australia's innings had a stuttering start, with debutant Sam Konstas falling LBW to Joseph for 1 and Cameron Green dismissed for 6 after surviving a dropped catch early. Josh Inglis also failed to capitalise on his opportunity at No. 4, falling to Seales for 6.

Captain Cummins’ late cameo added valuable runs as the Australian tail wagged slightly. Yet, it was the hosts' pace battery that dictated terms throughout a fast-moving day on a pitch that offered seam movement and occasional sharp bounce.

With 14 wickets falling on Day 1, and both batting line-ups struggling for control, the contest appears set for a quick conclusion — a throwback to classic Caribbean fast-bowling duels.

Scores at Stumps, Day 1:

Australia 180 (Travis Head 59, Usman Khawaja 56; Jayden Seales 5/50, Shamar Joseph 4/43)

West Indies 55/4 (Carty 21; Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Seales 1 wicket each)*

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