KINGSTON (SNP Report): The West Indies produced a stirring bowling performance to seize the upper hand on the opening day of the third and final pink-ball Test against Australia at Sabina Park on Saturday. Despite Mitchell Starc’s early breakthrough in his milestone 100th Test, the hosts closed the day on 16/1 in reply to Australia’s modest total of 225, with skipper Roston Chase and Brandon King holding firm under the lights.
Australia’s innings crumbled dramatically under the twilight sky, slipping from a solid 157/3 to 225 all out, losing seven wickets for just 68 runs in a chaotic final session. Starc, who made an impact with both bat and ball, was dismissed for a duck before claiming the wicket of debutant Kevlon Anderson, bowling him off the inside edge to reach 396 career Test wickets.
The West Indies, already 2-0 down in the series, were buoyed by a blistering bowling display led once again by Shamar Joseph, who bagged 4/33 to take his series tally to 18 wickets. Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves contributed with three wickets each, exploiting a surface that offered sharp seam movement.
Australia’s decision to exclude veteran spinner Nathan Lyon raised eyebrows, especially on a wicket that began to offer some assistance to spin. All-rounder Beau Webster was the only Australian batter among the top eight not to reach double figures, while Steve Smith (48) and Cameron Green (46) put together the only meaningful partnership of the innings, adding 61 for the third wicket.
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins injected some late energy with back-to-back sixes, but his aggressive cameo only masked a deeper batting collapse. Green admitted the final session strategy was to press hard before stumps: “To get them one down under lights was really crucial.”
For West Indies, injuries to regular openers John Campbell and Mikyle Louis, who were sidelined during fielding, forced a reshuffle at the top. Anderson and King stepped in, but the real test awaits on day two as the hosts look to build on their strong start.
SCORES IN BRIEF
AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS: 225 all out (Steve Smith 48, Cameron Green 46; Shamar Joseph 4/33, Jayden Seales 3-59, Justin Greaves 3-56) vs WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS: 16/1 at close (Mitchell Starc 1/3).
English