WI vs AUS, 1st Test: Australia take upper hand after contentious umpiring calls on day 2

Australia carved out a slender but potentially crucial 82-run lead over the West Indies by stumps on Day Two of the first Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados, as a series of contentious umpiring decisions overshadowed an otherwise enthralling day of cricket on a lively surface.

With fast bowlers dominating proceedings and batting requiring application and patience, Day Two proved pivotal. The West Indies resumed on 57 for four, replying to Australia's modest first-innings total of 180. A promising morning session, featuring a composed 67-run stand between captain Roston Chase and returning Test batsman Shai Hope, suggested the hosts were poised to gain a first-innings lead. But two controversial third-umpire decisions either side of lunch swung momentum firmly in Australia's favour.

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The first flashpoint came when Chase was adjudged lbw to Pat Cummins for 44. The skipper immediately reviewed, convinced he had inside-edged the ball onto his pad. Replays showed a possible deflection, but UltraEdge technology returned inconclusive evidence. Despite the ambiguity, the on-field decision stood, leaving Chase visibly dismayed as he trudged off after a resolute 108-ball stay.

West Indies vs Australia: HIGHLIGHTS

Shortly after, Hope - playing his first Test in four years - edged Beau Webster low to Alex Carey. The Australian wicketkeeper dived forward to complete a one-handed catch. Although television replays appeared to suggest the ball may have brushed the turf, third umpire Adrian Holdstock ruled in the fielding side's favour. Hope departed for 48, with the West Indies still trailing.

"We can only ask the questions, and then it goes to the officials," said Mitchell Starc. "One went against us, a couple against them. That's what we have technology for."

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The twin dismissals proved decisive, halting the West Indies' progress when a meaningful lead was within reach. From a comfortable 135 for five at lunch, the hosts collapsed to 190 all out, handing Australia a narrow 10-run deficit. Cummins and Webster were the standout performers, combining tight lines with relentless pressure, ably supported by Starc and Lyon.

Yet Australia's second innings began much like their first - fraught with early wickets and nervy batting. Usman Khawaja was pinned lbw by Alzarri Joseph for 15, before teenage debutant Sam Konstas chopped on for five, having earlier been dropped twice in the same over by John Campbell and Justin Greaves. The visibly frustrated West Indies coach, Daren Sammy, could scarcely hide his disappointment on the team balcony as the tally of missed chances off Shamar Joseph reached five.

Josh Inglis was bowled shouldering arms to Jayden Seales, while Cameron Green edged to slip off Greaves for 15. Australia stumbled to 92 for four by stumps, with Travis Head (26*) and Beau Webster (17*) tasked with stabilising the innings on a pitch offering both seam and bounce - and showing signs of further deterioration.

"It's an indifferent wicket," said Starc. "If you bowl the right areas for long enough, there are enough chances. There are a few bare patches, a few grassy ones - so it depends where the ball's pitching."

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With Australia holding an 82-run lead and likely to aim for a target in the region of 200, the Test remains delicately poised. Given the challenging conditions and the value of every run, the contributions of Head, Webster, and next man in Alex Carey could prove decisive.

Despite the umpiring controversies, the West Indies will reflect on their own missed opportunities - both in the field and with the bat - as much as the marginal calls that didn't go their way.

- Ends

Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: Jun 27, 2025

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