The third Test of the Frank Worrell Trophy began in familiar fashion in Jamaica: a low first-innings total and a clatter of wickets under the pink ball. Australia were bowled out for 225 on the opening day at Sabina Park but struck back late to leave West Indies 16 for 1 at stumps.
It was a real grind. Every pitch has been tough, and this was no different. We worked hard to get past 200, and we’re pretty happy to have landed a punch before the close.
After choosing to bat, Australia immediately found themselves in trouble as Justin Greaves trapped Sam Konstas lbw for 17. Khawaja and Konstas had set the tone by battling through a testing first hour, but once Khawaja fell, the innings teetered at 68 for 2.
Cameron Green (46) and Steve Smith (48) briefly steadied the ship, adding 61 with cautious, disciplined batting. But neither could convert their starts.
Jayden Seales produced the ball of the day to end Green’s resistance, nipping one away to clip the top of off stump. Smith tried to counter-attack, threading edges through the slips and briefly looking as if he might salvage a bigger total. But on 48, he flung his bat at a wide delivery from Shamar Joseph, only to nick to Brandon King.
Steve looked like he was batting on another surface. He was positive, but it was that sort of pitch — you’re never really in.
Australia’s lower order contributed only briefly. Travis Head made 21, while Alex Carey and Pat Cummins chipped in with 21 and 24 respectively. But Shamar Joseph (4 for 33) and Greaves (3 for 56) ensured there was no significant recovery.
It’s a pretty relentless attack. Obviously, Nathan’s an exceptional bowler — it’s certainly nothing to do with his skill. But you saw today how much seam there was.
West Indies’ reply began shakily. Debutant Kevlon Anderson, thrust into the opener’s slot with Mikyle Louis and John Campbell both injured, lasted just 14 balls before he inside-edged Mitchell Starc onto his stumps.
It’s odd not having Lyon out there. But conditions are conditions. The pink ball does tricky things, and hopefully we can take these wickets quickly.
At the close, Brandon King was unbeaten on 8 and Roston Chase on 3, with the hosts still trailing by 209 runs. West Indies will be hoping their wounded opening pair can return soon as the match—and possibly the series—hangs delicately in the balance.
Brief Scores: Australia 225 (Smith 48, Green 46; Joseph 4-33, Greaves 3-56, Seales 3-59) West Indies 16/1 (Starc 1-3).
