Australia carved a slim but potentially essential 82-running lead over Western India from stumps on the second day of the first test in Kensington Oval, Barbados, as a series of controversial referees, overshadowed the otherwise fascinating day of cricket on the living surface.
With rapid pitching dominant control and tabs requiring application and patience, the next day proved to be crucial. Western India continued at 57 for four and responded to the Australian modest first shifts of 180. A promising morning meeting, which represented a composed 67-running attitude between Captain Roston Chase and returning the test batsman Shai Hope, suggested that the hosts gain the first time. But the two controversial decisions of the third EUMIR on both sides of lunch resulted in the momentum in favor of Australia.
The first point of flash came when Chase was sentenced to LBW to Pat Cummins for 44 years. The captain immediately examined, convinced that he had a ball on his mat. Replays showed a possible deflection, but ultradge technology has returned inconclusive evidence. Despite the ambiguity, the decision in the field stood and the Chase left visibly horrified when 108 balls pushed after a determined stay.
West Indies vs Australia: Highlights
Shortly afterwards, Hope – playing his first test in four years – Beau Webster Low was held by Alex Carey. The Australian goalkeeper plunged forward to complete the one -handed catch. Although the television repetition seemed to indicate that the ball may have wiped the lawn, the third referee Adrian Holdstock ruled in favor of the field. Hope left for 48 years, while Western India was still over.
“We can only ask questions and then these are officials,” Mitchell Starc said. “One went against us, a couple against them. That’s what we have for technology.”
The release of the twins proved to be crucial and stopped the progress of West India when it was within reach of a meaningful lead. From the comfort of 135 for five for lunch, the hosts collapsed to 190, namely Australia gave a narrow 10-run deficit. Cummins and Webster were Standout artists who combined tight lines with tireless pressure, strongly supported Starc and Lyon.
The second shifts of Australia, however, began, like their first – full of early goals and nerve launching. Usman Khawaja was Alzarri Joseph at 15 clipped to LBW before the adolescent debutant Sam Konstas met five after he had previously dropped twice from John Campbell and Justin Greaves. The visibly frustrated coach of West India, Daren Sammy, could hardly hide his disappointment from the team balcony when Shamar Joseph reached five.
Josh Inglis was a bowled shoulder arm to Jayden Seales, while Cameron Green was lined to slip from Greaves to 15.
“It’s an indifferent goal,” Starc said. “If you mix the right areas for a long time, there are enough chances. There are a few bare stains, a few grassy – so it depends on where the pitching of the ball is.”
When Australia holds 82-run management and is likely to focus on target 200, the test remains gently prepared. Given the demanding conditions and value of each run, the benefits of the head, webster and other men in Alex Carey could prove to be crucial.
Despite the referees, the Western India is thinking about their own missed occasions – both in the field and with a bat – as well as marginal calls that they failed.
– ends
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
27th June 2025
