Table of Contents
On Day 2 of the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane between Australia and West Indies, Kevin Sinclair showcased his brilliance by taking a stunning catch that sent Marnus Labuschagne back to the pavilion for just 3 runs. The Australian team found themselves in a challenging position at 24/4 at the end of the first session, courtesy of Kemar Roach‘s impressive bowling spell, in response to West Indies’ first-innings total of 311.
Bad start for Australia as Steve Smith departs early
Australia’s experimental strategy of moving Steve Smith (6) up the order to open the batting, following David Warner‘s retirement, faced another setback. After confidently hitting a straight drive for a boundary off Roach’s delivery in the opening over, Smith fell victim to a leg-before-wicket appeal. Although the on-field umpire initially declared him not out, the decision was overturned upon West Indies’ immediate review, revealing that the ball would have crashed into the middle stump.
Marnus Labuschagne falls victim to Kevin Sinclair’s fielding brilliance
Upon Labuschagne’s arrival at the crease, the West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph bowled a tantalizing length delivery outside off. Labuschagne, tempted by the line, instinctively prodded at the ball. However, the delivery kissed the shoulder of his blade, leading to a deflection. In a remarkable display of athleticism, Sinclair, positioned at fourth slip, executed a diving catch to his right. Sinclair’s acrobatics ensured the dismissal of Labuschagne, showcasing the West Indies’ prowess in both bowling and fielding.
Here’s the video:
A fourth-slip SCREAMER!
Kevin Sinclair is having a debut to remember! #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/jrwK4jmkuD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 26, 2024
Also READ: Mitchell Starc becomes 5th Australian bowler to reach the 350th Test wicket benchmark – AUS vs WI 2024
Kemar Roach onslaught with the ball
Roach continued to trouble the Australian batsmen, securing the wickets of Cameron Green (8) and Travis Head (0) in the last over before tea on Day 2. Green chipped a pitched-up delivery outside off to mid-off, while Head was caught down leg attempting to attack a wayward delivery.
Competitive total by West Indies
Earlier in the day, West Indies posted a competitive total of 311 in their first innings. Resuming from overnight score of 266/8, debutant Sinclair played a crucial role, contributing a defiant 50 off 98 balls, featuring five fours and a six. The innings concluded with Sinclair being stumped off off-spinner Nathan Lyon‘s bowling.
