Dynamic Duo: Cummins and Hazlewood Dominate as Shamar Joseph Sparks West Indies’ Fightback
In a thrilling opening day at the Adelaide Test, Pat Cummins (4-41) and Josh Hazlewood (4-44) unleashed their prowess, securing four wickets each to put Australia in the driver’s seat. The West Indies, however, had their own hero in debutant Shamar Joseph, who not only frustrated the hosts with a resilient 55-run partnership but also stole the spotlight with a wicket on his very first ball in Test cricket, dismissing ‘new opener’ Steve Smith.
Under overcast conditions, Cummins defied tradition by opting to bowl first. While the West Indies openers struggled against the disciplined new-ball bowlers, Cummins himself broke the deadlock, claiming Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s wicket with a well-executed delivery. Hazlewood joined the party, disrupting the West Indies’ middle and lower order.
Despite a commendable partnership between Kirk McKenzie and debutant Kavem Hodge, Hazlewood and Cummins orchestrated a collapse. Hazlewood’s fourth wicket came through another debutant, Justin Greaves, while Cummins accounted for Joshua da Silva and Alzarri Joseph. Shamar Joseph’s spirited 36-run knock salvaged the West Indies from a precarious 133/9 to a respectable 188.
Australia’s batting innings had its share of challenges, with Shamar Joseph making a mark as a first-change bowler. He dismissed Smith and Labuschagne, creating some nervy moments for the Australian batsmen. However, Usman Khawaja and Cam Green steadied the ship, guiding Australia to 59/2 by the day’s end and reducing the deficit to just 129 runs.
Brief scores:
Australia 59/2 (Usman Khawaja 30*; Shamar 2-18) trail West Indies 188 (Kirk McKenzie 50, Shamar Joseph 36; Pat Cummins 4-41, Josh Hazlewood 4-44) by 129 runs
