World Test champions Australia are miles ahead of West Indies in red-ball cricket with respect to experience, especially with many players of the visiting side opting to play franchise cricket ahead of Test matches. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led side named three debutants in the playing XI with the hope of starting a ‘new era’ but Australia eventually dominated on Day 1 of the first Test in Adelaide.
Batting first, West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Kirk McKenzie kept them in the contest as the 23-year-old hit a half-century but he barely got any support from the other batters. Towards the fag end, No. 11 Shamar Joseph made 36 runs off 41 deliveries, which helped the Caribbeans post 188, else it looked difficult for them to cross the 150-run mark.
Meanwhile, Australia skipper Pat Cummins once again had a remarkable day in the middle. After three back-to-back five-fors against Pakistan in the last series, the ace pacer picked up four wickets in the first Test against West Indies. He was brilliant with his line and length, which put the visiting team under pressure. Josh Hazlewood too looked sensational as he picked up four as well. The duo demolished their batting unit, giving a chance to Australia to take the lead in the match.
On the other hand, Steven Smith finally opened for Australia in Test cricket. After David Warner announced his retirement from red-ball cricket, Smith put his hands up to take up the role. However, he failed to get going in this first attempt. The 34-year-old got out after scoring 12 runs as Joseph picked up his first wicket. The pacer, who was working as a security guard a year back, even picked up the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne as well. He departed after scoring ten runs as Australia are 59/2 after Day 1. The hosts are trailing by 129 runs and would hope to produce a better performance with the bat on Day 2 in Adelaide.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Fairytale beginning to international cricket for Shamar Joseph. I’m not surprised, but we in the Caribbean need to quickly work out a way to keep nurturing his development, & above all, to keep him playing international cricket for the regional team.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 17, 2024
So special for the Young lad .. 👍 https://t.co/llo1WvmWVy
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 17, 2024
Nothing quite like the Adelaide Oval test match… Great call to bowl first by the skipper 👍 Maybe looking to only bat once 😁 #cricket #adelaideoval #AUSvWI
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) January 17, 2024
Just turned into #AUSvWI. Obviously not the most hyped series given difference between both the sides. Probably Steve Smith opening the batting will be the most talking point of this series.
— Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596) January 17, 2024
Wow, what a debut!
Shamar Joseph making quite an entrance!
Keep it up, Shamar! #AUSvWI 🏏👏
— Space Planetary (@space_planetary) January 17, 2024
Shamar Joseph’s day:
– Cap presented by Ian Bishop
– Cracked on the helmet by Mitch Starc
– Hits Josh Hazlewood for six
– Steve Smith’s wicket with first ball in Test cricket
– Has Marnus Labuschagne caught hooking#AUSvWI
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) January 17, 2024
Shamar Joseph got Smith & Labuchagne as first two international wickets !!
Good start boy #AUSvsWI #CricketTwitter #AusvWI #ShamarJoseph #SteveSmith
— Abhinav Singh (@27_abhinav) January 17, 2024
Australia get to 59-2 at stumps on Day 1
A good day for Shamar Joseph with 36 (batting at 11) and 2-18#AUSvWI
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 17, 2024
Shamar Joseph having a Dream Test Debut
Who scored 36 at No.11 and his first two Test wickets are Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/ZzqS8h5pgZ
— Rajan pandit (@jaima7017) January 17, 2024
12 wickets fall on day 1 – West Indies bowled out for 188 thanks to 8 wickets from Cummins & Hazlewood before Australia lose Smith (12) & Marnus (10) before stumps. Khawaja 30* & Green 6* as Australia are 2/59. #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/iJH2gOTBiH
— Cricket Australia Fan (@CricketAustFan) January 17, 2024