Australia’s transition phase in Test cricket took another hit on Day 1 of the opening Test against West Indies in Barbados, where the top order crumbled yet again, raising fresh questions about their readiness for the long haul.
Facing a challenging pitch at Kensington Oval, the visitors were rattled early by Shamar Joseph’s fiery spell, as Australia were reduced to 22/3 in the morning session. Although Travis Head and Usman Khawaja steadied the innings with a hard-fought 89-run partnership, Australia collapsed soon after, losing 7 wickets for only 69 runs and finishing their innings in a tough spot.
Joseph is back into the taking wickets of Australian batter
— The Sports Feed (@thesports_feed) June 25, 2025
Shamar Joseph to Konstas - OUT!☝🏾#AUSvsWI #WIvsAUS #WIvAUSpic.twitter.com/LyjwoMeWZ0
Joseph, who has already shown glimpses of his talent in earlier matches, delivered a stunning opening spell. His dismissal of debutant Sam Konstas was a textbook setupoutswingers followed by a ball that jagged back through the gate.
The rising fast bowler also dismissed Cameron Green, whose struggles at the No. 3 spot remain a concern. and produced what he later called "one of the best deliveries of his life" to bowl Beau Webster.
Travis Head, the only batter to look comfortable, admitted the surface was tougher than expected, calling it a surprise for the Australians. On the other hand, West Indies came well-prepared for the challenge.
Jayden Seales, who picked up five wickets himself, said they knew the pitch would play slow and had targeted Australia’s vulnerable batting order in the absence of senior players like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
The Australians, missing nearly 15,000 runs worth of Test experience, looked short on answers. Although Khawaja held his ground with a steady approach, the rest of the batting order struggled to adapt to the challenging pitch and disciplined bowling attack.
He just keeps going! UNPLAYABLE!🤯 🤯🤯🤯#AUSvsWI #WIvsAUS #AUSvWI #WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/kYMigmlBdO
— The Sports Feed (@thesports_feed) June 25, 2025
Despite the early collapse, Head defended the team’s approach, saying each player needed to stick to their strengths and learn how to adapt in different conditions. Now, the responsibility shifts to Australia’s bowlers to keep the contest alive, while the top order will need to deliver a strong response in the second innings.
For West Indies, the day was a statement. With Joseph and Seales leading from the front, they showed they’re not just rebuilding—they’re ready to challenge the big names once again.