• Jayden Seals' 5-fer and Shamar Joseph’s fiery four-wicket burst dismantled Australia’s batting order on Day 1 of the opening Test.

  • Australia’s pace attack struck back in the evening session before stumps on Day 1.

Fans erupt as Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph rock Australia on Day 1 of the first Test – WI vs AUS
Fans erupt as Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph rock Australia on Day 1 of WI vs AUS 2025 first Test (Image source: X)

Table of Contents

The opening day of the first Test between West Indies and Australia at Bridgetown, Barbados, delivered high drama and electric pace bowling as Shamar Joseph’s four-wicket haul sent the Australian batting line-up crashing. With both teams trading blows on a spicy surface, the contest is perfectly poised after a frenetic Day 1, with West Indies trailing by 123 runs at stumps and fans abuzz with excitement.

Jayden Seals’ 5-fer and Shamar Joseph’s four-star show wrecks Australia on the opening day

The day began with Australia winning the toss and electing to bat, but their decision quickly backfired as West Indies pacers, led by Joseph, made early inroads. Joseph struck in the fourth over, trapping debutant Sam Konstas lbw for just 3. He followed up by removing Cameron Green for 3, leaving Australia reeling at 14/2. Joseph’s relentless accuracy and movement off the seam proved too much for the visitors, and by the 16th over, Australia had slumped to 22/3.

After a brief fightback from Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, who stitched together a crucial 89-run partnership, Joseph returned to break the stand. He dismissed Khawaja for 47, then quickly accounted for Beau Webster, finishing with impressive figures of 4/46 from 16 overs, including three maidens. His fiery spell, complemented by Jayden Seales’ five-wicket haul, ensured Australia were bowled out for a modest 180 in just 56.5 overs.

Joseph’s performance was particularly special, given his history against Australia and his growing reputation as a big-match player. His ability to strike early and then return to break key partnerships underlines his importance to the West Indies attack.

Also WATCH: Shamar Joseph delivers twin blows to remove Sam Konstas and Cameron Green as Australia falters early on Day 1 of Bridgetown Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

West Indies dominate early as Australia hit back before stumps on Day 1

With the momentum firmly in their favor, West Indies looked to press home the advantage with the bat. However, Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood responded in kind, making early breakthroughs. Starc removed both openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, cheaply, while Cummins and Hazlewood chipped in to leave West Indies wobbling at 16/2 and then 53/4.

Brandon King, on debut, showed composure with an unbeaten 23, but the hosts finished the day at 57/4 after 20 overs, still trailing by 123 runs. The pitch continued to offer plenty for the pacers, keeping both teams in the contest and promising more fireworks on Day 2.

Day 1 at Bridgetown belonged to the bowlers, with Joseph’s four-fer igniting the crowd and setting social media alight. As both teams eye the upper hand, fans can expect more twists in this enthralling Test series opener.

Also WATCH: Shamar Joseph cleans up Beau Webster with an absolute peach on Day 1 of first Test – WI vs AUS

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Australia Featured Shamar Joseph Twitter Reactions West Indies

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.