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Important SN update for Southland“Must-watch TV”: Calypso carnage on Day 1 in Bridgetown
Andrew Slevison • June 26th, 2025 9:42 am
The Calypso kings inflicted maximum damage as 14 wickets tumbled on Day 1 of the first Test in Bridgetown.
The West Indies have navigated their way to stumps at 4/57 on the opening day of the Frank Worrell Trophy series against Australia, trailing by 123 runs after dominating with the ball.
It came after Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat only for the visitors to struggle on a tricky wicket.
Just like in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, (most) of the Australian batters failed as they succumbed for just 180.
Travis Head entertained with his 59 off 87 deliveries, Usman Khawaja showed some resistance at the top with 47 and Cummins added 28 late, but it was a tough day overall.
Jayden Seales was the chief destroyer for the West Indies with figures of 5/60 while Shamar Joseph, who was vocal in the lead-up, dismissed returning opener Sam Konstas (3) on his way to 4/46 including a peach to get rid of Beau Webster (11).
The Australian bowlers made some headway late on Day 1 with Mitchell Starc picking up two wickets, and one each to Josh Hazlewood and Cummings, but the hosts would be somewhat happy at the close of play after doing the leg work with the ball.
Former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian Healy feels perhaps Cummins and co. are expecting the wicket to dry out later in the Test which might just give the tourists the advantage.
The potential of a wicket with any ball makes it hard to take your eyes off.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a good pitch so far but Australia won the toss and batted on it,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.
“I’ve read a bit about it being a bit tacky with some moisture in the surface. How long is that going to stay?
“The Australians have started bowling now and it’s must-watch TV. There’s still some sideways movement while the ball is new but he West Indies moved it all day.
“So they must be assuming that they’ll take on this difficult pitch first up because we’re worried about what it’s going to be like at the end of the match.
“If it dries out and scuffs up, the spinners can run amok or the quicks will keep the ball low and every now and then one will jump.
“This is a beautifully poised match.”
