Brisbane, June 26, 2025 – Day one of the opening Test between Australia and West Indies at the Gabba delivered a riveting contest dominated by disciplined bowling, sudden collapses, and signs of resilience from both camps. Australia were bundled out for a modest 180 in 56.5 overs, and in reply, West Indies stumbled to 57/4 at stumps, trailing by 123 runs in what promises to be a tightly contested Test match.
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Australia vs West Indies Day 1 |
Australia Falter Despite Head’s Grit
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia failed to convert a promising start into a commanding total. Travis Head stood tall with a fluent 59, showing aggression and control as wickets fell around him. Usman Khawaja (47) also provided early stability, but a middle-order collapse triggered by the brilliance of Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph saw the hosts lose their last 7 wickets for just 44 runs.
Jayden Seales was the standout with the ball, delivering a masterclass in seam bowling. His figures of 5/43 marked his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket, underlining his growing stature in the West Indies pace attack. He was ably supported by Shamar Joseph, who finished with 4/50 and consistently troubled the Australian batters with pace and bounce.
Notably, Seales’ double strike to remove Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey in quick succession turned the tide decisively in the visitors' favor, while Joseph’s dismissal of debutant Beau Webster showcased his growing threat with the red ball.
Starc, Cummins Hit Back for Australia
West Indies’ reply began in disarray as Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins unleashed a fiery opening spell. Starc removed both openers—Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell—inside the first few overs, rocking the top order. Cummins and Josh Hazlewood maintained relentless pressure, striking at regular intervals to reduce the visitors to 57/4 by the end of the day.
However, a small but spirited recovery from Brandon King (23*) and Keacy Carty (20) helped West Indies regain some footing before the close of play. While their innings remains precariously placed, the fight shown by the middle order may prove vital as the match progresses.
What’s Ahead?
With Australia holding a slender advantage, day two is set to be pivotal. A lot will depend on whether West Indies can bridge the deficit and gain a first-innings lead, or if Australia’s pace trio can dismantle the remaining batting. Either way, the contest has been set up beautifully with both sides showing flashes of brilliance and vulnerability.
Key Stats:
Australia 180 all out (56.5 overs)
Travis Head 59, Usman Khawaja 47
Jayden Seales 5/43, Shamar Joseph 4/50
West Indies 57/4 (20 overs)
Brandon King 23*, Keacy Carty 20
Mitchell Starc 2 wickets, Cummins & Hazlewood 1 each
The 2025 Australia vs. West Indies Test series has started on a high note—intense, unpredictable, and with bowlers ruling the roost. Cricket fans are in for a thrilling ride.
