SABINA PARK, KINGSTON – Under the historic pink glow of floodlights at Sabina Park, West Indies’ fast bowlers produced a stirring display to dismiss Australia for 225, before cautiously reaching 16 for one at stumps on the opening day of the third and final Test on Saturday.
The home side’s reply was fraught with tension, as debutant Kevlon Anderson—thrust into the unfamiliar role of opener due to injuries to Mikyle Louis and John Campbell—was bowled by Mitchell Starc for three. Starc, playing his milestone 100th Test, struck late to ensure Australia ended a turbulent day with something to celebrate.
Brandon King (8 not out) and captain Roston Chase (3 not out) survived nine testing overs under lights, the pair managing to see West Indies through without further damage in conditions still heavily favoring the seamers.
Seam symphony: Joseph, Seales, Greaves orchestrate collapse
Australia had earlier won the toss and batted first on a grassy surface that offered considerable movement throughout, particularly under lights. At 129 for two, the visitors were shaping a solid foundation, with Steven Smith (48) and Cameron Green (46) leading the way. But what followed was a sensational unraveling—Australia collapsed to lose seven wickets for 68 runs.
The West Indian trio of Shamar Joseph (4-33), Jayden Seales (3-59), and Justin Greaves (3-56) shared all 10 wickets in a spirited performance. The collapse began shortly before dinner when Seales produced a masterful delivery that straightened late to remove Green, just as the all-rounder was settling into rhythm.
Smith’s dismissal after the break, caught by King at slip off Shamar Joseph, triggered a frenetic final session. “The ball was doing plenty under the lights,” said Joseph, who took his series tally to 17 wickets. “We just wanted to stay aggressive and hit the right areas.”
Star-studded start undone by sharp bowling
Australia’s innings began in sedate fashion, with debutant Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja painstakingly compiling the longest opening stand of the series. The pair endured the new ball, reaching 50 for 1 by lunch—a slow outfield and disciplined West Indian attack keeping scoring tight.
Konstas was dropped early by Anderson at third slip but eventually fell to Greaves, trapped lbw. Khawaja, who had absorbed immense pressure, succumbed to a stunning catch by Shai Hope off Joseph just as he seemed set to anchor the innings.
Smith, aggressive from the outset, raced to 24 before offering a stinging return catch that Jomel Warrican couldn’t hold. Moments later, the ex-captain edged to King at slip.
Injuries mount for both sides
The day’s drama wasn’t limited to the scoreboard. West Indies were forced into three changes, two of them unplanned. Regular opener Mikyle Louis suffered a knee injury after jarring it in the outfield, while John Campbell took a blow to the chest fielding at short leg. Their absence meant debutant Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King opened the innings, with Anderson tragically bowled in his brief stay.
Adding to the hosts’ concerns, Alzarri Joseph left the field midway through Australia’s innings with back stiffness and was sent for scans. Substitute Anderson Phillip made an immediate impact, snaring a remarkable diving catch to dismiss Travis Head, who had attempted to lift Greaves over the off-side.
All-out aggression: Australia’s tail wags briefly
Batting with reckless intent in the final overs, Australia’s tail briefly counterattacked. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey hoisted a six before edging behind, while captain Pat Cummins thumped three maximums in a 21-ball cameo before falling at long-on. Shamar Joseph wrapped things up by removing Hazlewood, ensuring the West Indies bowlers remained the day’s undisputed protagonists.
Despite Starc’s late strike, it was clearly West Indies’ day—ending with the promise of more if their makeshift top order can withstand the pressure of the pink ball on Sunday.
