West Indies seized the momentum on Day 1 of the first pink-ball Test at Sabina Park, bundling out Australia for just 225 thanks to a fiery bowling display led by Shamar Joseph. The pace sensation returned figures of 4/33, while Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves chipped in with three wickets each to leave the hosts in a strong position.

Batting first, Australia’s innings never quite got going. Sam Konstas, who continues to struggle at the international level, was dismissed off the very first ball he faced by Seales. A classic nipbacker trapped him LBW and set the tone for what was to follow.

Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green tried to stabilise the innings, but the runs came at a crawl. Australia limped to just 50/1 at lunch after 25 overs, thanks to some disciplined bowling by the West Indian bowlers, who exploited the helpful conditions to perfection.

The post-tea session saw Shamar Joseph return to the attack and remove Khawaja with a superb delivery that drew an edge, brilliantly caught by Shai Hope diving to his left. Green, who had looked composed, was undone just before dinner by a peach from Seales that clipped the off-stump.

With the lights taking full effect, the pink ball began to move considerably. Though Steve Smith counterattacked briefly with a trio of boundaries, the momentum quickly shifted as wickets continued to fall. Alex Carey tried to break free with an aggressive approach but perished to Joseph after a brisk cameo.

The rest of the Australian middle and lower order failed to offer much resistance. Joseph’s pace and Greaves’ support meant that the visitors lost their final six wickets for under 80 runs. The pitch offered consistent assistance to seamers, but the lack of partnerships from the Australians was equally to blame.

In a historic Test for Mitchell Starc, who became just the 2nd Australian quick to play 100 Tests, the left-armer provided a late breakthrough to remove one of the West Indies openers just before stumps.

With the hosts ending Day 1 at 16/1, the match is evenly poised. West Indies now have a real shot at gaining a first-innings lead, and with it, the opportunity to avoid a series whitewash on home soil.

– Ends