West Indies Pace Attack and Contentious DRS Calls Highlight Day 2 Drama Against 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 top order, leaving them struggling at 92 for four at the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test at Kensington Oval.

West Indies players express their dismay at a controversial DRS decision.

After West Indies were bowled out for 190, conceding a slender 10-run lead to Australia's first innings total of 180, their bowlers maintained relentless pressure. The match hangs in the balance with Australia holding an 82-run lead and six wickets in hand, promising a thrilling Day 3.

The day was filled with drama as 10 wickets fell, following the 14 that tumbled on the opening day. However, contentious third-umpire decisions overshadowed the on-field action, sparking frustration within the West Indies camp.

Travis Head, known for his aggressive batting, will resume batting on Day 3 alongside Beau Webster. Each of the four West Indian bowlers who were used in Australia’s second innings managed to take a wicket, and kept their side firmly in contention.

Alzarri Joseph made the crucial breakthrough in the final session, trapping Usman Khawaja lbw after going wicketless in the first innings. Shamar Joseph, who impressed on Day 1, experienced frustration when Sam Konstas was dropped twice in the same over in the slips. However, his persistence paid off as Konstas later played the ball onto his stumps.

Jayden Seales, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, continued his impressive form by dismissing Josh Inglis for the second time in the match, clean bowling him as the batter offered no shot.

Australia's experiment with Cameron Green at number three backfired once again, as he edged Justin Greaves to first slip for another cheap dismissal.

Earlier in the day, a 67-run partnership between West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope had stabilized the innings after a shaky start that saw them slump to 72 for five. Debutant Brandon King, who scored 26, was bowled shouldering arms to Josh Hazlewood.

Controversial Dismissals

Controversy erupted shortly after lunch when Roston Chase, playing his 50th Test after a two-year absence, was given out leg-before to Pat Cummins. Despite replays indicating that Chase may have edged the ball onto his pads, television umpire Adrian Holdstock upheld the decision.

Holdstock found himself in the spotlight again when Shai Hope, on 48, was ruled out caught down the leg side by a diving Alex Carey, giving Webster his second wicket. Hope seemed certain that he was out and nearly reached the pavilion, however multiple replays suggested the ball may have touched the ground as Carey completed the catch. Yet, Holdstock stood by his initial decision.

Alzarri Joseph contributed an unbeaten 23, but the West Indies innings soon came to an end. Mitchell Starc emerged as Australia’s most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 65.

Commenting on the disputed dismissals, Starc remarked, "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 situation, Starc highlighted the pitch's role in maintaining competitiveness.

"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."