Bridgetown, June 25, 2025 – The first day of the Kensington Oval Test between Australia and West Indies, part of the Frank Worrell Trophy 2025, delivered a thrilling contest as 14 wickets fell on a pitch offering both assistance and unpredictability. This is the highest number of wickets on Day 1 of a Test at this venue in over a decade, signaling a gripping five-day battle ahead.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia captain Pat Cummins took a bold call, trusting his batters to post a formidable total. However, the decision didn’t pay off as the Australians collapsed for just 180. Only three players managed to cross 25 runs, including Cummins himself. The only notable resistance came from a gritty 89-run partnership between Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, with Khawaja surviving two dropped chances.
West Indies capitalized on the helpful conditions caused by pre-Test rain, with the new ball swinging under overcast skies. Shamar Joseph was fiery up front, while Jayden Seales dominated the middle and lower order, bagging five wickets—his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Despite four missed catches, the hosts ended the innings with momentum.
When West Indies came out to bat, Australia’s pace attack responded in kind. Mitchell Starc removed both openers early, but Keacy Carty and debutant Brandon King steadied the innings with a 36-run stand. Just as the pitch appeared to settle, Cummins and Josh Hazlewood struck in quick succession to leave West Indies at 57/4 at stumps.
Post-play, Seales expressed his delight at achieving a special milestone against Australia, a team he faced previously before injury. He credited the team’s strategy of fuller deliveries with the new ball and praised Shamar Joseph for setting the tone. Seales advised his batters to trust their abilities on a tricky surface.
With West Indies trailing by 123 runs and the pitch expected to deteriorate further, Day 2 of the Test could prove pivotal. For Australia, early breakthroughs will be the key. For West Indies, a solid partnership might swing the balance in their favor.