West Indies Pace Attack, Contentious DRS Calls Define Day 2 vs. Australia

West Indies Pacers Dominate, DRS Controversies Erupt on Day 2 Against Australia

Barbados witnessed a day of intense cricket as the West Indies' pace attack rattled Australia's batting lineup, leaving the match delicately balanced. At the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test at Kensington Oval, Australia stood at 92 for four, an overall lead of 82 runs.

Controversial decisions marred an otherwise exciting day of Test cricket.

The day was defined by fiery spells of fast bowling and controversial decisions by the third umpire, adding fuel to the already competitive atmosphere. Ten wickets fell on Thursday, following the fourteen that tumbled on the opening day, highlighting the challenging conditions for batsmen.

Travis Head and Beau Webster are set to resume Day 3, with all four West Indian bowlers capturing a wicket each in Australia’s second innings.

Alzarri Joseph claimed the crucial wicket of Usman Khawaja, trapping him lbw. Shamar Joseph, fresh off his impressive performance on Day 1, saw Sam Konstas dropped twice in the same over. However, his persistence paid off when Konstas played a delivery onto his stumps.

Jayden Seales continued his impressive form, dismissing Josh Inglis. Cameron Green's struggles at number three continued as he edged Justin Greaves to first slip.

Earlier, a 67-run partnership between West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope helped recover their innings. Debutant Brandon King was bowled by Josh Hazlewood.

Controversial Umpire Decisions

The spotlight turned to television umpire Adrian Holdstock following a series of questionable decisions. Roston Chase was given out leg-before to Pat Cummins, despite replays suggesting an edge onto his pads.

Holdstock was involved in another contentious moment when Shai Hope was given out caught down the leg side. Replays indicated the ball might have touched the ground as Alex Carey completed the catch.

Alzarri Joseph added an unbeaten 23, before the West Indies innings concluded, with Mitchell Starc taking 3 for 65.

Starc commented on the dismissals, stating, "We can only ask the questions. That's what we have the technology for. The questions have to be asked in that direction, not at the players."

Reflecting on the match, Starc added that the pitch was assisting the bowlers. "Throughout the two days it's shown that if you bowl in the right areas there are enough chances (created)," he said. "Even when the ball got older or was changed it still did some sideways stuff so the bowlers have been in the game throughout so far and that is likely to continue tomorrow."