Intense Day 2 of Australia-West Indies Test: Cummins and Umpire Clash Amidst Bowling Dominance

The second day of the Australia-West Indies Test at Sabina Park was marked by a fiery exchange between captain Pat Cummins and umpire Nitin Menon, alongside a dominant bowling display from the Australians. As the West Indies crumbled from 52 to 143 all out, tensions rose on the field, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the match. With both teams facing challenges, the excitement is sure to escalate as the pink-ball Test unfolds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2025, 14:23 IST

The Tense Encounter: Cummins and Menon

The second day of the third Test between Australia and West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston was filled with excitement, featuring intense on-field action and high-speed bowling. The Australian bowlers showcased their skills, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup with precision. However, the highlight of the day was a heated exchange between Australian captain Pat Cummins and umpire Nitin Menon.

The incident occurred during the 24th over of the West Indies' first innings. With the score at 2 for 52, opener John Campbell attempted a risky single after pushing a delivery from Mitchell Starc towards mid-on. Cummins quickly reacted, delivering a direct throw to the non-striker's end, believing he had run out Campbell.

Despite Cummins' conviction, no formal appeal was made, and Menon opted not to consult the third umpire. Frustrated, Cummins approached Menon for a discussion that was caught on the microphones. "Why wouldn’t you just check?" he questioned, his tone reflecting the tension of the moment.

This exchange lasted nearly a minute, underscoring the high-pressure environment of Test cricket, where every decision can significantly impact the game. Campbell, however, failed to capitalize on his luck, eventually falling for 36 runs, caught lbw by Scott Boland ten overs later.

Australia's Bowling Attack Dominates

Following the incident, Australia tightened their grip on the match. The West Indies' innings collapsed from 2-52 to a mere 143 all out in 52.1 overs. Besides Campbell and Shai Hope, who managed 23 runs, the remaining batsmen struggled to cope with the Australian pace attack.

Scott Boland led the charge with impressive figures of 3 for 34, supported by Cummins with 2 for 24 and Josh Hazlewood with 2 for 32. The West Indies' poor shot selection was evident, particularly in Mikyle Louis's reckless dismissal, which former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin criticized as an "absolute brain explosion."

Australia's Commanding Position Amidst Challenges

Although Australia holds a strong position, they too faced difficulties, with their top-order batsmen struggling on a pitch that favored the fast bowlers. The lack of resistance from the West Indies has kept the match intriguing, with tensions already high.

Day 2 indicates that the remainder of this pink-ball Test will likely be filled with more drama, both on the field and in the dressing rooms, as the players continue to battle under the Kingston lights.