KINGSTON — Australia suffered a dramatic batting collapse on the opening day of the day-night Test against West Indies in Kingston, bowled out for just 225 after a disastrous middle-order collapse. The visitors, who had been cruising at 149/3, lost their last seven wickets for just 76 runs in a stunning capitulation against a disciplined West Indies attack.
The collapse was spearheaded by West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s tactical brilliance and a fiery spell from fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who claimed 4-84. Joseph’s pace and accuracy dismantled Australia’s middle order, while debutant Kevin Sinclair chipped in with two crucial wickets. "We knew if we stayed patient, the wickets would come," Brathwaite said at stumps. "The pitch had a bit in it, and we exploited that perfectly."
Australia’s Promising Start Derailed
Australia’s innings began solidly, with openers Usman Khawaja (40) and Steve Smith (33) putting on a 70-run partnership. Khawaja looked particularly assured, playing with his trademark patience, while Smith countered the early swing with crisp drives. However, just as Australia seemed set for a big total, Joseph struck twice in quick succession.
Key moments in the collapse included:
- Smith’s dismissal, caught behind off Joseph, triggering a mini-collapse.
- Marnus Labuschagne’s soft dismissal, edging Sinclair to slip for 23.
- Cameron Green’s reckless shot, holing out to mid-on for just 12.
West Indies’ Bowling Masterclass
The West Indies bowlers exploited the deteriorating conditions under lights, with the pink ball swinging sharply in the twilight session. Joseph’s fiery spell after tea was the turning point, as he removed Travis Head (8) and Alex Carey (0) in consecutive overs. "The ball started to do a bit more under lights, and we capitalized," Joseph said post-match.
Sinclair’s Dream Debut
Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, playing his first Test, impressed with his control and variation. His dismissal of Labuschagne was a highlight, drawing the batter into a false shot. "I just wanted to stick to my strengths and build pressure," Sinclair said. "Getting Labuschagne was a dream moment."
Australia’s Lower Order Folds
Mitchell Starc (21) and Pat Cummins (16) offered brief resistance, but the tail crumbled against Kemar Roach’s reverse swing. Roach cleaned up Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood in the same over, wrapping up the innings before the close. "We let ourselves down after a good start," Cummins admitted. "Credit to West Indies, they bowled superbly."
What’s Next?
West Indies will begin their reply on Day 2, with Australia’s bowlers eager to strike back under lights. The pitch, already showing signs of uneven bounce, could make batting tricky. "We need early wickets tomorrow," Cummins said. "The game is still wide open."
The collapse marks Australia’s second batting failure in recent Tests, following their struggles against India earlier this year. With the series on the line, the visitors must regroup quickly. "We’ve got to learn from this," Khawaja said. "No excuses—we just didn’t bat well enough."
West Indies, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their strong start. A win here would level the series and reinforce their resurgence in Test cricket. "This is the kind of performance we’ve been building towards," Brathwaite said. "Now we need to capitalize."