• Roston Chase and Shai Hope's partnership gave West Indies a crucial first-innings lead against Australia.

  • West Indies bowlers disrupted Australia’s top order and kept the match evenly poised on Day 2 of the first Test.

Fans react as West Indies bounce back against Australia on Day 2 of Bridgetown Test
West Indies hit back against Australia as the first Test hangs in balance on Day 2 (Image source: X)

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The first Test between West Indies and Australia at Bridgetown has lived up to its billing, delivering two days of gripping, seesaw cricket at the Kensington Oval. After Australia opted to bat first on a lively surface, both teams have traded blows, with neither able to seize full control. As stumps were drawn on Day 2, Australia held a slender lead of 82 runs, but with only six wickets in hand and the pitch continuing to offer plenty for the bowlers, the contest remains tantalizingly poised.

Roston Chase and Shai Hope’s stand as the backbone of West Indies resistance

The West Indies’ reply to Australia’s modest first-innings total of 180 was anchored by a crucial partnership between captain Roston Chase and returning wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope. Coming together with their side in trouble at 53 for 4, the pair absorbed sustained pressure from Australia’s pace trio and methodically rebuilt the innings. Hope, playing his first Test in over three years, looked assured, driving elegantly and rotating the strike, while Chase counterpunched, particularly targeting Nathan Lyon with a couple of bold strokes, including a towering six over long-off.

Their 67-run stand was the bedrock of the West Indies’ innings, carrying them past the morning session and into a position from which they could challenge Australia’s total. After lunch, Pat Cummins finally broke through, trapping Chase lbw for 44, but Hope continued to frustrate the visitors before falling for 48 to a sharp catch behind. A late cameo from Alzarri Joseph, who struck a brisk 23, nudged the hosts to 190, giving them a precious 10-run lead and ensuring the match remained on a knife’s edge.

Also WATCH: Shai Hope’s scintillating straight drive as West Indies fightback against Australia on Day 2 of first Test

Australia’s top order in turmoil as West Indies strike back at the end of Day 2

With a narrow lead in hand, the West Indies pace attack, led by Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, came out firing in Australia’s second innings. The new-ball pair found movement and bounce on the responsive pitch, repeatedly testing the Australian top order. Usman Khawaja fell lbw to Alzarri Joseph, Sam Konstas’ struggles continued as he was bowled by Joseph, and Cameron Green edged behind after a patient stay. Josh Inglis also succumbed to Seales, leaving Australia tottering at 65/4.

It was only the composed partnership between Travis Head and Beau Webster that steadied the ship for the visitors in the final session. The duo absorbed the pressure, blunting the Windies’ momentum and guiding Australia to 92/4 at stumps. Their unbroken 27-run stand may prove crucial as the match heads into Day 3, with every run on this challenging surface likely to be vital.

As Twitter buzzes with reactions, fans and pundits alike are lauding the West Indies’ spirited fightback and the relentless pace battle unfolding at Kensington Oval. With the game still in the balance and both teams eyeing a decisive advantage, anticipation is high for another dramatic day of Test cricket in Barbados.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: WI vs AUS: 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:
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.