The much-awaited first Test between Australia and West Indies kicked off in Adelaide on Wednesday which yet again saw dominance from the home side.
After losing the toss and being put into bat on Day 1, the West Indies found themselves grappling with the Australian bowling attack. Despite a seemingly favorable pitch, the Windies batters lacked patience and composure, with Kirk McKenzie being the lone standout with a half-century.
However, McKenzie’s dismissal marked a turning point, as Aussie skipper Pat Cummins and his partner-in-crime Josh Hazlewood dominated, tightening their grip and claiming crucial wickets.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood’s commanding performance
Australia’s pace spearheads, Cummins and Hazlewood, showcased their prowess with the ball, each claiming four wickets for a mere 41 runs. Cummins delivered a relentless 17-over spell, while Hazlewood maintained a tight line and length over 15 overs. Their combined efforts not only stifled the West Indies’ batting lineup but also set the stage for Australia’s control over the match.
Debutant Shamar Joseph rescues the tourists
The highlight of the West Indies innings came from debutant Shamar Joseph, who showcased resilience by forming a gutsy 55-run partnership with Kemar Roach. Their efforts managed to push the team closer to the 200-run mark before Joseph’s eventual dismissal on 36. Notably, the fact that the second-highest individual score came from the No. 11, Joseph, highlighted the struggles of the top order.
Australia’s shaky start in response
Australia faced their own challenges in the reply, with opener Usman Khawaja getting a lifeline after being dropped early on. Joseph, not only excelling with the bat, made an impact with the ball, dismissing Steve Smith early with an impressive delivery. Despite some nervy moments, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne demonstrated composure, steering Australia through a shaky start. However, Joseph made sure to leave his impact again as he got rid of Labuschagne right before the stumps.
Also WATCH – Pat Cummins’ masterful in-swinger sends Kraigg Brathwaite packing – AUS vs WI 2024, 1st Test
Here is how Twitter reacted:
An action-packed day one complete! #AUSvWI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2024
Pat Cummins owns the top of off!
pic.twitter.com/9U5jGAt6TF— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) January 17, 2024
West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph makes a big first impression by claiming the wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne 👀
Scorecard: https://t.co/CHrgi2NLyG#AUSvWI | #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/LPSwIK3IEb
— ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2024
At 108 for 6 . West Indies will possibly be happy with the stumps score. But Pat Cummins continues to lead by example . Another three day test match #AUSvsWI
— John Wright (@johnwright15) January 17, 2024
This season, Pat Cummins has taken 23 wickets at 11.69.
It’s the lowest bowling average for an Australian in a home Test summer since 1931/32 (minimum 20 wickets).#AUSvWI
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 17, 2024
It’s stumps on Day 1 of the first Test between Australia and West Indies 👊#AUSvWI #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/yxGpKsQOr3 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/mg2jUjwD3C— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 17, 2024
The real superman is Pat Cummins pic.twitter.com/VOlIM5JG6U
— Soochin Ton-dulkar🏏 (@cricdrugs) January 17, 2024
#AUSvWI would be a much closer contest in 2027 with a less seasoned Australian bowling attack and without the current batting pedigree. Also, maybe an improved WI team with the current work being done at the grassroots level.
— Ayush Sinha (@AyushSinha82623) January 17, 2024
A 5️⃣5️⃣ run 10th wicket partnership takes the #MenInMaroon to a first innings total of 1️⃣8️⃣8️⃣ #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/pawKEZtJXL
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) January 17, 2024
Starc-Cummins-Lyon-Hazlewood become the FIRST ever Test quartet with all of them having 250+ wickets.
NO OTHER bowling quartet has even 200+ wickets together for same team in the same match.#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/5h52mkxrxW
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) January 17, 2024
West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph makes a big first impression by claiming the wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne 👀#AUSvWI | #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/tpUkfptPl6
— BaBar Azam 56 Fan Page (@usmanawan1133) January 17, 2024
