Guided by Kemar Roach’s impressive figures of 3-13, the West Indies’ new-ball bowlers dismantled the Australian top order, reducing them to 24/4 by Tea on a cloudy Day 2 of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba.
Kevin Sinclair’s fifty on Test debut propelled West Indies to a total of 311 in their first innings, keeping Australia on the field for over 80 minutes for the last two wickets. The visitors gained a significant advantage with four early strikes in the half-hour leading up to the break.
Roach’s impact was immediate, dismissing Steve Smith LBW for 6 in his first over, albeit after a successful review. In his fifth over, Roach enticed Cam Green into a drive, resulting in a chip straight to Kraigg Brathwaite at mid-off. Travis Head followed suit on the next delivery, nicking behind, prompting jubilation from the visitors as Tea was called in Brisbane. Roach, with figures of 3-13, is poised for a hat-trick when play resumes in the second session.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal mirrored some of the West Indie’s top-order wickets from the previous day. Labuschagne needlessly prodded at a delivery outside off, and Sinclair pulled off a remarkable catch diving to his right at fourth slip, giving Alzarri Joseph his first scalp of the day.
Earlier in the session, Sinclair played a pivotal role in prolonging Australia’s time on the field. Despite a bit of drizzle, he thwarted the hosts’ hopes of quickly wrapping up the innings. Sinclair, who was granted a reprieve by Green at gully on 30, reached his maiden half-century with consecutive boundaries off Nathan Lyon. Although he was stumped off Lyon on the next ball, Sinclair’s contributions helped West Indies surpass the 300-run mark.
Brief scores:
Australia 24/4 (Kemar Roach 3-13) trail West Indies 311 (Joshua Da Silva 79, Kavem Hodge 71, Kevin Sinclair 50; Mitchell Starc 4-82, Nathan Lyon 2-81) by 287 runs
