The third and final pink-ball Test between Australia and the West Indies reached fever pitch on Sunday evening as the hosts mounted a ferocious comeback under the Sabina Park floodlights, reducing the visitors to a precarious 99 for six at stumps on day two.
Trailing by 82 runs after collapsing to 143 all out earlier in the day, the West Indies pace battery, spearheaded by Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, clawed their way back into contention in stunning fashion. Australia’s lead stood at 181, but with only four wickets in hand and the pink ball misbehaving under the lights for a second straight night, the match hung in delicate balance.
Fast-bowling revival: The Joseph duo strikes
Shamar Joseph, who has lit up the series with his firebrand pace and infectious energy, was once again the catalyst. He struck twice early, removing both openers — Sam Konstas for a duck and Usman Khawaja for 14 — sparking belief in the Caribbean camp.
“West Indies have always had that great legacy of fast bowling, so this generation just wants to continue that tradition and do our best,” said Shamar, who now boasts 20 wickets in the series.
Alzarri Joseph then took over the charge, dismantling Australia’s middle order. He castled Steve Smith for 5, snapped up Beau Webster (13), and had Alex Carey caught behind for a golden duck, leaving the visitors reeling.
“We were looking for seven wickets tonight and got six, so we’ll take that,” Shamar added with a measured confidence, even as he warned against letting Australia’s tail wag beyond the 200-lead mark.
Cameron Green stands tall amid collapse
Amidst the chaos, Cameron Green stood like a pillar of resistance, carving out a composed and unbeaten 42, keeping Australia afloat as wickets tumbled around him. He will resume day three alongside skipper Pat Cummins, who is five not out, with the Australians hoping to stretch the lead past the psychological 200-run threshold.
Earlier, West Indies had wasted a golden opportunity to seize control. After Australia were bundled out for 225 on day one — losing seven wickets for 68 runs — the hosts failed to capitalize, squandering a promising 82-3 to slump to 143 all out, losing seven wickets for 61.
Scott Boland, playing in place of veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, was the chief destroyer with 3 for 34, triggering the collapse by trapping John Campbell lbw for 36 — the top score in the innings. He also bowled Shai Hope (23) and finished the innings by removing Shamar Joseph.
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins contributed with two wickets apiece, while Alex Carey endured a frustrating day behind the stumps, dropping two chances that went unpunished.
Poor shot selection and careless running further compounded West Indies’ woes. The most glaring moment came with the run out of Justin Greaves, who was caught short of his ground after unwisely turning back for a third run — a direct hit from Sam Konstas sealing his fate.
Tense session, tight Test
Runs were at a premium from the outset. In the morning session, West Indies could only muster 57 runs from 23 overs for the loss of two wickets. Brandon King (14) and Roston Chase (18) fell in steady fashion — King to Hazlewood’s full ball, and Chase to Cummins’ lifter that was edged to first slip.
With two days still to play, the match remains on a knife’s edge. Australia may still harbor hopes of a clean sweep after earlier triumphs in Barbados and Grenada, but on a pitch growing increasingly unpredictable under the lights, the West Indies — fired up and unfazed — are far from done.
