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In a captivating display on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, a defiant 149-run partnership between Kavem Hodge (71) and Joshua Da Silva (79) for sixth wicket for the West Indies frustrated Australia. Despite a challenging afternoon for the West Indies’ top-order, the duo orchestrated a spirited fightback, guiding the visitors to stumps at 266/8. Da Silva and Hodge joined forces at a precarious 64/5, rescuing their team from the brink with determined batting.
Joshua Da Silva’s aggression and Kavem Hodge’s calculative response: A vital partnership
Da Silva, known for his aggressive approach, took the attack to the opposition, displaying positive intent from the outset. Responding with resilience, he scored at an impressive rate, even hitting two delightful boundaries off Pat Cummins. Following the pattern, Hodge capitalized on the momentum, sending a short delivery from Mitchell Starc into the stands. The pair’s partnership took West Indies past the 100 runs mark quickly.
Solid resolve and judgment despite Australia’s frustration
In the final session, as the pink ball softened and the pitch eased, Hodge and Da Silva showcased solid resolve and judgment, frustrating Australia’s bowlers. Cummins shuffled his bowling options in a quest for a breakthrough, even turning to Marnus Labuschagne, but the determined West Indian duo stood firm. Nathan Lyon, brought back into the attack, justified Cummins’ confidence by finally dismissing Da Silva via lbw. Starc followed up by removing Hodge, but Alzarri Joseph (32) and Kevin Sinclair (16) contributed valuable runs to secure West Indies beyond the 250-mark safely.
Also READ: Mitchell Starc becomes 5th Australian bowler to reach the 350th Test wicket benchmark – AUS vs WI 2024
Australia’s dominant start by Mitchell Starc
Earlier in the day, Australia, buoyed by their momentum from the opening Test, delivered a spectacular bowling display in Brisbane. Josh Hazlewood, the star from the previous Test, initiated the West Indies batting procession by dismissing skipper Kraigg Brathwaite. Despite the early setback, the visitors displayed resilience until Cummins dismantled Kirk McKenzie‘s resistance. Starc’s fiery three-wicket spell then rattled the West Indian top order, reducing them to 64/5 in the first session.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Joshua de Silva and Kavem Hodge batting out all the odds against the mighty Australians Down Under after WI being down 64-4, what a day for Test Cricket!
— Abhishek Goyal (@d_silent_quill) January 25, 2024
Magnificent partnership here by Kavem Hodge and Joshua Da Silva, both now bringing up half-centuries in a gutsy rearguard action after the Windies found themselves in a very bad spot. Really hope at least one of them goes on to a century #AUSvWI
— André Brett (@DrDreHistorian) January 25, 2024
Australia made to work for nearly 50 overs without a wicket. West Indies as a team batted for 62.1 overs and 35.2 overs in Adelaide. Brilliant stuff from Hodge and Da Silva.#AUSvWI
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 25, 2024
Fantastic fight back from this West Indies team that was down and out. Gutter cricket from the Aussies, frustrated late and resorting to sledging and insults.
Rubbish from Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc late. #AUSvWI
— Dana White from Wish (@WishDanaWhite) January 25, 2024
I hope there’s some young upstart Windies punks watching and being inspired by these 2 Batsman as they really dig in and fight against the much lauded Aussie bowlers
This is test cricket and it’s fucking great#AUSvWI
— Spart (@Spartsback) January 25, 2024
5 out before lunch, and it was looking like carnage. But the West Indies haven't been completely dire today.
At least they can say they've done something. #AUSvWI— Michael Shillito (@tealfooty) January 25, 2024
Respective half-centuries for Kavem Hodge and Joshua da Silva 💪#KavemHodge #JoshuadaSilva #AUSvWI #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/7gOhg4cxfb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 25, 2024
Is that Brad Hodge and Aravinda De Silva batting for the Windies?? 🤣Here I was thinking we'd end the day with 100+ run lead, and these two come along and put together a belter of a partnership. 👏👏#AUSvWI
— Mark Robinson (@mrobinson73) January 25, 2024
Kavem Hodge was dismissed for a fine 71 and good to see the Brisbane crowd appreciate what he did #AUSvWI
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 25, 2024
Interesting day of cricket and a great fightback from West Indies! #AUSvWI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 25, 2024
Starc has a 4th wicket under lights!! Comfortable catch in the slips from Steve Smith, and Kavem Hodge has to walk for 71. Great ball that shaped across a bit. And the Windies are now 7/225 #AUSvWI
— Davis Harrigan (Digi) (@DeadlineDavis) January 25, 2024
350 wickets at 27 apiece is a bloody serious record. What a bowler Mitchell Starc is and has been.
— Rudi Edsall (@RudiEdsall) January 25, 2024
Starc gets to 350 wickets. Been menacing in his second spell
— Abhimanyu Bose (@bose_abhimanyu) January 25, 2024
Starc is unplayable with the pink ball at night #AUSvWI
— Heath Linton (@heathro37) January 25, 2024
