Australia Struggles in Third Test Against West Indies
Australia's Disappointing First Innings
The third and final Test match between the West Indies and Australia is currently being held at Sabina Park, featuring a pink ball. On the very first day of this day-night Test, a total of 11 wickets fell, all taken by fast bowlers. Australia was bowled out for just 225 runs in their first innings, with West Indies' pace attack preventing any Australian batsman from scoring a half-century. Remarkably, the last seven wickets fell for under 100 runs. Mitchell Starc, playing in his 100th Test match, was unable to score any runs. By the end of the day's play, the home team had lost one wicket for just 16 runs.
Australia's Batting Woes
Winning the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first. Openers Usman Khawaja and Sam Conners began the innings, but the team faced an early setback when Conners was dismissed for 17 runs, falling victim to all-rounder Justin Graves. Khawaja also struggled, returning to the pavilion after scoring just 23 runs, dismissed by fast bowler Shamarh Brooks.
Steve Smith Leads the Scoring
Following the early dismissals, Cameron Green and Steve Smith stabilized the innings with a partnership of 61 runs for the third wicket. However, this partnership was broken by West Indies' Jaden Seales, who dismissed Green for 46 runs. Smith emerged as the top scorer for Australia with 48 runs, but the team crumbled, losing their last seven wickets for less than 100 runs, concluding their innings at 225. Shamarh Brooks was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming four wickets, while Jaden Seales and Justin Graves each took three.
West Indies' Challenging Start
After Australia’s innings, expectations were high for West Indies' openers Brandon King and debutant Kieron Anderson. However, Mitchell Starc dashed those hopes by dismissing Anderson early on. By the end of the first day, West Indies had managed to score 16 runs for the loss of one wicket, with King on 8 runs and captain Roston Chase at 3.