Australia On Tour To West Indies
Australia travelled to West Indies after losing the World Test Championship to South Africa to begin their campaign for the 25-27 WTC cycle. Steve Smith was unavailable due to an injury, while Marnus Labuschagne was expected to be dropped. West Indies had a change at the helm, with Roston Chase captaining the side along with a few young faces. The Australians were undoubtedly the favourites, but the West Indies, never to be taken lightly at home, were more than just dark horses.
Australia Struggle On Treacherous Kensington Oval Pitch
The Kensington Oval in Barbados was the venue of the 1st Test, and the West Indies were raring to go. Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales had the Aussies in a web of fast bowling, assisted by the up-and-down pitch. The duo snared 9 wickets amongst themselves and bundled out Australia for just 180, with Travis Head providing the lone 50 for Australia. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis ( I had recommended the two in my earlier post) were knocked over cheaply.
West Indies Bat Poorly Too
The batting for the West Indies, however, did not show much spark either ( despite Keacy Carty in the form of his life) and folded for 190 after a brilliant performance from Starc and Cummins.
Shamar Strikes Again, But Travis, Beau & Carey Fight Back
Australia, with just a 10-run deficit, were again struck hard by Shamar Joseph, who was nothing short of sensational in the entire test. But a few dropped catches and questionable third umpire decisions let the Aussies off the hook. Travis Head, once again, stood tall among the ruins with another fifty. The southpaw was ably supported by Beau Webster ( whose reputation is burgeoning) and Alex Carey. Both got crucial 50s, and despite a rather tough pitch, Australia managed to reach 310, thus setting a target of 301 for the Windies to chase.
Josh Hazelwood Stuns Windies With Fifer As Australia Win
With a comparatively weak batting line-up, it was always going to be difficult for the West Indies, particularly on a wearing pitch and against the sublime Australian bowling. As expected, Josh Hazlewood blew away the Caribbeans with a Fifer as the Windies folded for 141 to give Australia a massive 159-run victory.
Windies Tried Hard But Australia Were Too Strong
The Australians were just too strong for the young, inexperienced Windies team, though they fought hard all along. Shamar Joseph took 9 wickets in the match, and Jayden Seales accounted for another 6 of the Australian batters. Both the young pacers took 15 of the 20 Australian wickets. A bit of shoddy batting and pathetic catching pulled the Windies down.
Travis Head, The POTM
Australia survived a bit of a scare, with the help of Travis Head’s belligerent knocks in both innings and some fine bowling from Cummins, Starc, and Hazelwood. Travis Head was awarded the Player of the Match.
The Next Test Moves To Grenada
It was an intense match which lasted just three days. The contest moves to Grenada for the next Test, starting on 3rd July.
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