Aus v WI 3rd Test Day 1 Review: West Indies give away advantage to Australia

West Indies were hopeful of a turnaround ahead of the New Year’s Test at the SCG after they found some spark in the second Test but quick wickets spoiled their intentions on the first day. Rain interrupted the play twice in the day and only 75 overs of play was possible.

Jason Holder won the toss under overcast conditions and won the toss. Australia opted for a twin spin attack by including Steven O’Keefe in place of injured Peter Siddle while West Indies could not include leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo due to a shoulder injury.

Rain filled clouds loomed over the SCG as Josh Hazlewood began with three slips and a gully to Craig Brathwaite. The start was not very good for the Windies as Shai Hope nicked Hazlewood to Peter Nevill. Hazlewood was able to make the ball whistle past the outside on the previous occasions and this time successfully got the edge.

But, Craig Brathwaite and Darren Bravo, the two batsmen who have shown some spark in this series came together as a result of this wicket. Both batted superbly and negotiated the swing and pace of Hazlewood and James Pattinson. Nathan Lyon was also brought immediately for Darren Bravo but that did not have any early impact as Bravo played him out brilliantly. Both the batsmen looked at their best and batted with solidity. The duo continued and put on a partnership of 91 runs from 182 balls and batted until the 35^th over until Darren Bravo lost his wicket to James Pattinson.

Bravo was just fractionally late while pulling a well-directed bouncer from Pattinson. He took his eyes off and top edged the ball to Usman Khawaja at deep backward square leg. He looked ready for a big knock but had to depart for 33 runs. Marlon Samuels’ batting troubles continued as he lost his wicket due senseless running between the wickets. He defended a ball to the backward point and hesitantly called for a run. But, looked uncertain and stopped in the middle meanwhile Braithwaite responded and fumbled but recovered and returned to the safe end. Hazlewood threw the ball to Peter Nevill who took off the bails to put an end to the misery. It was for the first time in Samuels 113 Test innings career that he was dismissed run out.

From here, West Indies played in the same way, they did on the previous occasions. The Australian spinners then began to create an impact and Windies started losing wickets in the form of Jermaine Blackwood (10 runs) and Jason Holder (1 run). Craig Brathwaite (85 runs) also missed a deserving century after he couldn’t handle the extra bounce and gloved Nathan Lyon to Steven Smith at slips.

However, wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and fast bowler Carlos Brathwaite batted with resistance and took care that the day doesn’t turn into a bitter one for the team. Carlos made most of the run scoring as the end of the day neared and scored a run a ball 35.

The day belonged to Australia. Their bowlers bowled with discipline and stayed in the game even when Bravo and Brathwaite were batting sturdily. In short, West Indies just handed over the early advantage to Australia.

Brief scores:

West Indies: 207/6 in 75 overs (C Brathwaite 85; Nathan Lyon 2/68)