• Shai Hope played a gorgeous straight drive off Mitchell Starc as West Indies rally on Day 2 of the First Test against Australia.

  • Windies have scored 135 runs for the loss of 5 wickets till lunch, trailing by 45 runs.

WI vs AUS [WATCH]: Shai Hope’s scintillating straight drive as West Indies fightback against Australia on Day 2 of first Test
Shai Hope's scintillating straight drive (Image Source: X)

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In the opening game of the three-match Test series between West Indies and Australia, the hosts have shown remarkable resilience with the bat on Day 2. On a pitch offering significant assistance to the bowlers, the West Indies trail by only 45 runs with five wickets in hand at Lunch.

Shai Hope’s sublime drive off Mitchell Starc

Starting the day at 57 for 4, the West Indies added 78 runs while losing just one wicket in the first session of the second day’s play. A standout moment came in the 28th over of the innings when West Indian batter Shai Hope played a sublime shot off Mitchell Starc that left fans and experts in awe. It was a fuller delivery targeting the middle and leg stump; Hope presented the full face of the bat on front foot and drove it straight down the ground for a beautiful boundary.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Shamar Joseph misses out on 5-wicket haul as Travis Head survives controversial catch on Day 1 of first Test

West Indies’ fightback strengthens position after early collapse 

On Day 2, after losing Brandon King early, skipper Roston Chase and Hope have stitched together a valuable 63-run partnership, putting their side in a stronger position. Chase is nearing a gritty half-century with 44 runs to his name, well supported by Hope, who is batting on 31. Earlier, Keacy Carty and Brandon King helped steady the ship on Day 1 after the West Indies lost both openers early with just 16 runs on the board.

For the visitors, Australia, it has been a challenging second day here in Barbados. After a sub-par batting performance on Day 1, when they were bowled out for just 180 runs, their bowlers showed some resistance in the final session by removing the opposition’s top and middle order. The pace trio has once again stepped up—Starc and Josh Hazlewood have taken two wickets each, while skipper Pat Cummins claimed the crucial wicket of Carty. The runners-up of the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle will be looking to wrap things up quickly as play continues today.

Also READ: Ian Healy reacts after his words backfire as Shamar Joseph destroys Australia on Day 1 of first Test

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About the Author:
VARUN VERMA
Varun Verma is a dedicated cricket enthusiast with a flair for storytelling and in-depth analysis. Combining a deep knowledge of the sport with a talent for engaging content creation, he brings the drama and thrill of the game to life for fans around the world. Drawing inspiration from the grit and passion of players like Ben Stokes, Varun aspires to one day experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He can be reached at varun.verma@crickettimes.com and followed on LinkedIn and X.