In a compelling display of pace and aggression, Mitchell Starc orchestrated a formidable performance, claiming three crucial wickets that propelled Australia into a commanding position in the second Test against the West Indies. The visitors stumbled to 64-5 at the dinner break on the opening day in Brisbane, struggling against Starc’s relentless bowling.
Starc’s determination and skill were evident in the first session, culminating in his milestone 350th Test wicket. The West Indies batsmen, many of whom were experiencing a day-night Test for the first time, succumbed to both the bowler’s prowess and their own lapses in judgment.
As the day began under clear skies with the West Indies opting to bat after winning the toss, skipper Kraigg Brathwaite aimed for a strong start. Despite surviving an early leg-before-wicket scare, he fell for four in the eighth over, unable to handle a Josh Hazlewood delivery outside off stump.
Meanwhile, opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and the aggressive Kirk McKenzie attempted to stabilize the innings. But McKenzie’s aggressive approach led to his downfall, scoring 21 from 25 balls before a thick edge off Pat Cummins found its way to first slip, where Usman Khawaja executed a sharp catch.
Chanderpaul, showing signs of comfort at the crease, departed at 54-3, edging Starc to Steve Smith at second slip. Alick Athanaze became Starc’s 350th Test victim, caught behind by Alex Carey for eight, further deepening West Indies’ struggle at 57-3.
In the final moments before the dinner break, Justin Greaves added to West Indies’ woes by edging Starc to first slip, where Khawaja secured his second catch. Starc’s exceptional performance has undeniably placed Australia in control as they look ahead to the remainder of the Test match.
