Australia will walk out in Kingston on Saturday determined to exorcise the ghosts of their last pink-ball clash with the West Indies — a match that handed them their first-ever defeat under lights in Test cricket.
While the visitors have dominated this three-match series so far—winning by 159 runs in Barbados and by 133 runs in Grenada — history remains a nagging reminder. The West Indies have proved they know how to upend Australia in day-night conditions, and this final Test looms as a chance for both redemption and a statement of intent.
The match will be especially significant for Mitchell Starc, who will play his 100th Test. Starc has been Australia’s most lethal weapon in pink-ball games, claiming 74 wickets — almost twice as many as Nathan Lyon, the next-best with 43.
It’s quite funny that I’m playing my 100th in a pink-ball game. Jeez, the session last night, I had to bat, I didn’t bowl, but there might be a few things going on at night with the pink Dukes, (which is) a new one for us as a group.
The pink Dukes ball — used in only two previous Tests — will be a variable both sides must navigate. It is harder than the Kookaburra version preferred in Australia and, in Starc’s hands, could prove even more menacing.
There’s a bit of swing, bit of nip, the ball stayed quite hard. They were all brand new balls to start with, so we’ll see how they wear. But the wicket in particular looks like the most even covering of grass we’ve had this series. It looks the best of the three.
West Indies captain Roston Chase will be desperate for his side to salvage something from this series. While the bowlers have shown flashes of resilience, the batting has too often crumbled under pressure.
Australia, meanwhile, have their eye on a clean sweep — and a chance to improve their head-to-head record in pink-ball matches against the hosts.
It looks a pretty good wicket and it’s exciting for everyone to play a pink-ball Test away from home here at Sabina Park. The last pink-ball Test against the West Indies didn’t go our way, so a chance to redeem ourselves… hopefully a really enjoyable week for everyone.
Adding to the intrigue is the pink Dukes ball’s reputation as a handful under lights—something that could keep Australia’s seamers interested deep into each innings.
For Starc, the milestone only adds to the anticipation. Over almost 14 years in international cricket, the left-arm quick has claimed 321 wickets with the red ball and built a reputation as one of the most destructive exponents of the pink. His strike rate of 34.8 is the best among any bowler to have delivered more than 100 overs under lights.
Australia are expected to retain their winning combination, led by Pat Cummins and backed by a bowling attack that has consistently outclassed the West Indies. For the hosts, the challenge will be finding enough runs to set up their bowlers — and avoid a series whitewash on home soil.
Probable XIs: Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
West Indies: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.
