The first day of the third Test match between Australia and West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston offered a captivating display of day-night Test cricket. The pink ball swung under the lights, leading to dramatic twists, disciplined bowling, and determined batting. Australia batted first but collapsed to 225 all out after a promising start. West Indies ended the day at 16-1, trailing by 209 runs. This blog post explores the key moments, standout performances, and tactical nuances from this exciting day of Test cricket, aimed at fans looking for detailed insights into the Australia vs. West Indies Third Test in 2025.
A Cautious Start for Australia
Australia, leading the series 2-0 after winning in Grenada and Bridgetown, chose to bat first under the Kingston lights. This decision showed confidence in their batting lineup, but the West Indies bowlers had other ideas. Australian openers, including Usman Khawaja, played cautiously in the first session, focusing on surviving against a disciplined West Indies attack. The pitch, as all-rounder Cameron Green later remarked, was tough, providing assistance to the bowlers, especially with the pink ball. In the first hour, Australia scored only 50 runs and lost just one wicket, that of young opener Sam Konstas, who was out on Justin Greaves’ first delivery.
Greaves, a newcomer to the West Indies bowling team, made an immediate impact. His ability to create movement and maintain a tight line prevented Australia’s batters from finding their rhythm. Khawaja, known for his patience, fought hard, facing 80 balls before a sharp catch by Shai Hope ended his innings. The first session reflected West Indies’ disciplined bowling, with Australia managing only 50 runs in a cautious phase of play.
Smith and Green Steady the Ship
After lunch, Australia’s fortunes changed as Steve Smith and Cameron Green built a vital 50-run partnership. Smith, batting fluently, looked relaxed despite the challenging conditions, scoring a quick 48. Green added a solid 46, balancing Smith’s aggression with a steady approach. Their partnership helped Australia reach 157-3 by the dinner break, placing them in a strong position. Green later praised Smith for his ability to bat “on a different pitch” and make scoring seem easy while others struggled.
However, the dinner break proved crucial. Green was out for 46, starting a rapid decline. Australia’s middle order, which had shown resilience earlier, collapsed under West Indies’ relentless bowling. From 157-3, Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 68 runs, ending their first innings at 225 all out. This collapse highlighted the challenges of batting with the pink ball, particularly under lights when the ball’s movement is more pronounced.
Shamar Joseph Shines for West Indies
West Indies’ bowling unit was the standout story of the day. Shamar Joseph, the best of the bowlers, delivered a fiery spell, finishing with figures of 4-33. His pace, swing, and accuracy tore through Australia’s middle order, earning him recognition as one of the brightest talents in Caribbean cricket. Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves supported Joseph excellently, each taking three wickets. Seales finished with 3-59, and Greaves had 3-56, applying continuous pressure and making the most of the conditions.
The final session was particularly lively, with 27.3 overs yielding 103 runs and eight wickets. Australia’s aggressive strategy, even after losing wickets, suggested a plan to boost the scoring rate and ensure they bowled under lights in the final session. Contributions from Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins, who all scored in the 20s, helped Australia surpass the 200-run mark, but the collapse kept them from a larger total.
West Indies’ Tricky End to the Day
With nine overs remaining before stumps, West Indies faced a tough challenge. Injuries to their regular openers brought debutant Kevlon Anderson into the lineup to open with Brandon King. Facing Australia’s strong pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc in his 100th Test match, was no easy task. Starc, only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to reach this milestone, struck early, dismissing Anderson for three. The debutant struggled against Starc’s speed and movement, eventually chopping an inside edge onto his stumps.
Despite the early setback, Brandon King (8 not out) and Roston Chase (3 not out) showed composure, guiding West Indies to 16-1 at stumps. King, in particular, displayed bravery, surviving a challenging spell from Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland. Boland, who bowled the final over of the day, delivered a maiden, while King navigated significant movement, including an inswinger that barely missed the stumps. The resilience of the West Indies batters meant they lost only one wicket in this tricky final phase, setting the stage for an intriguing second day.
Tactical Insights and Player Reflections
Cameron Green’s post-match comments gave valuable insight into the challenges of batting on this surface. “Every pitch has been tough,” he said. “The more balls you spend in the middle, you hope it gets better, but it just hasn’t been the case.” Green stressed the importance of time at the crease, noting that getting used to the bowlers and the conditions was crucial. His partnership with Smith, while productive, highlighted the difficulty of maintaining momentum against a disciplined bowling attack.
Green also touched on his bowling, indicating he wasn’t in a hurry to return to his all-rounder role. “Three or four months more, I’m taking my time and looking forward to the bigger picture,” he said, signaling a careful approach to his recovery. His focus on batting paid off, as his 46 was an important contribution, even if it was just short of a half-century.
Australia’s aggressive batting in the final session, despite losing wickets, was a strategic choice. By pushing the scoring rate, they ensured West Indies would have to bat under lights—a time when the pink ball typically swings more. The tactic paid off with Starc’s early breakthrough, but King and Chase’s resilience kept West Indies in a stable position.
The Pink Ball’s Unique Challenge
Pink ball Tests are known for their fast pace, and the match at Sabina Park is no different. The ball’s behavior under lights, combined with a pitch that aids bowlers, created a challenging environment for batters. Australia’s collapse from 157-3 to 225 all out showed how hard it was to build a significant total, while West Indies’ cautious approach in their nine overs demonstrated their determination to avoid further losses.
The pink ball’s movement under lights was especially noticeable in the final session, where bowlers like Joseph, Seales, and Starc found extra swing and seam. This dynamic adds another layer of excitement to day-night Tests, as teams need to adjust their strategies with changing conditions. Australia’s decision to bat aggressively, even at the cost of wickets, was a gamble that allowed them to bowl in favorable conditions, but West Indies’ disciplined response kept the game finely balanced.
Standout Performers
Shamar Joseph’s 4-33 was the day’s highlight, showcasing his potential as a future star. His ability to generate pace and movement troubled even Australia’s most seasoned batters, including Smith. Seales and Greaves supported Joseph’s efforts, with their three-wicket hauls highlighting West Indies’ bowling strength.
For Australia, Steve Smith’s 48 was a masterclass in adaptability, while Cameron Green’s 46 showed his growing maturity as a Test batter. Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test was marked by a key wicket, reinforcing his status as one of Australia’s top fast bowlers.
What to Expect on Day Two
As the second day arrives, the match is evenly poised. West Indies, trailing by 209 runs, will depend on King and Chase to create a solid base. The early overs will be crucial, as Australia’s pace trio of Starc, Cummins, and Boland will likely try to take advantage of any morning moisture on the pitch. For West Indies, surviving the first hour without losing more wickets will be essential for mounting a competitive response.
Australia, on the other hand, will look to make quick breakthroughs and leverage their bowling strength. With the series already won, they can play with confidence, but they’ll want to respect West Indies’ fighting spirit, especially after their strong bowling performance on day one.
Why This Test Matters
Even with Australia holding a 2-0 lead, this Test is important. For West Indies, it’s a chance to restore pride and show their progress as a Test team. The emergence of talents like Shamar Joseph and the resilience of their batting lineup indicate they are improving. For Australia, the match offers a chance to refine their approach ahead of future challenges, particularly with the pink ball, which tests skills and adaptability uniquely.
Australia vs. West Indies 3rd Test Day 1 Summary Table (Sabina Park, 2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match & Venue | 3rd Test, Day 1 – Australia vs. West Indies at Sabina Park, Kingston |
| Series Status | Australia leads 2-0 in 3-match Test series |
| Match Format | Day-Night Test with pink ball |
| Toss | Australia won the toss, elected to bat first |
| Australia 1st Innings | 225 all out in 76.3 overs |
| Top Scorers (AUS) | Steve Smith – 48 (72), Cameron Green – 46 (112), Travis Head – 27 |
| West Indies Bowling Highlights | Shamar Joseph – 4/33, Jayden Seales – 3/59, Justin Greaves – 3/56 |
| Collapse Highlight | Australia fell from 157/3 to 225 all out – losing 7 wickets for 68 runs |
| West Indies at Stumps (Day 1) | 16/1 in 9 overs, trail by 209 runs |
| Fall of WI Wicket | Kevlon Anderson – 3 (b. Starc), debutant |
| Not Out at Stumps | Brandon King – 8*, Roston Chase – 3* |
| Australia Bowling at Stumps | Mitchell Starc – 1/9 (in his 100th Test), Pat Cummins & Boland bowled tightly |
| Pitch Behavior | Tricky pitch with extra seam and swing under lights; pink ball movement visible |
| Key Partnerships | Smith-Green: 50-run stand; pivotal middle-order resistance |
| Tactical Highlights | Australia batted aggressively late to bowl under lights – triggered collapse but earned early wicket |
| Standout Performer of the Day | Shamar Joseph (WI) – Fiery spell, 4 wickets, disrupted Australian middle order |
| Player Insights | Green: “Every pitch has been tough… Smith made it look easy. I’m focusing on batting, not rushing bowling return.” |
| Milestone Highlight | Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test – joins Glenn McGrath as only Aussie pacers to do so |
| Why This Test Matters | Dead rubber, but key for WI morale and AUS pink-ball preparation; young talents like Joseph making mark |
| What to Expect on Day 2 | Morning session critical for WI – avoid early collapse; AUS aiming for early strikes with fresh ball |
| Big Questions for Day 2 | Can WI build partnerships? Will AUS pace trio dominate under early conditions again? |
Conclusion
Day one of the third Test at Sabina Park was a thrilling contest that highlighted the best of Test cricket. Australia’s collapse, West Indies’ superb bowling, and the tense final overs under lights set the tone for an exciting continuation. With the match finely balanced, fans can anticipate more drama when play resumes. Tune in tomorrow to see how the action unfolds in this captivating day-night Test.
Australia vs. West Indies 3rd Test Day One – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What happened on Day 1 of the Australia vs. West Indies Third Test 2025?
Day 1 at Sabina Park offered a dramatic start to the pink-ball Test. Australia, after a strong beginning, were bowled out for 225, while West Indies ended the day at 16/1, trailing by 209 runs.
Q2. Who were the standout performers for West Indies on Day 1?
Shamar Joseph delivered a match-turning spell, taking 4 wickets for 33 runs. He was well supported by Jayden Seales (3-59) and Justin Greaves (3-56), who kept constant pressure on Australia’s batting lineup.
Q3. How did Australia lose momentum after a promising start?
At one point, Australia were comfortably placed at 157/3 thanks to a key partnership between Steve Smith and Cameron Green. However, after Green’s dismissal, they collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 68 runs.
Q4. Why is the pink ball important in this Test match?
The pink ball tends to swing more under lights, creating a challenging environment for batters. Australia took a tactical decision to bat aggressively late in their innings so they could bowl under these more favorable conditions.
Q5. What was Cameron Green’s role and key observation?
Green contributed 46 runs and highlighted that the pitch offered no easy scoring opportunities. He emphasized the importance of spending time in the middle and noted his focus remains on batting as he continues to recover from injury.
Q6. What milestone did Mitchell Starc achieve in this Test?
Mitchell Starc reached the milestone of playing his 100th Test match. He became only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to achieve this and celebrated by taking a key wicket in the first session of West Indies’ innings.
Q7. Why did Australia collapse after the dinner break?
Following a strong middle session, the dinner interval saw a shift in momentum. The West Indies bowlers, led by Shamar Joseph, exploited the pink ball conditions expertly, triggering a rapid collapse in the Australian lineup.
Q8. What were the key tactical moves from Australia?
Australia accelerated their scoring rate in the final session, a calculated strategy to give their bowlers a chance to bowl under lights. The approach yielded partial success as Mitchell Starc struck early in West Indies’ innings.
Q9. How did the Sabina Park pitch behave on Day 1?
The pitch consistently assisted seam bowlers, particularly under lights. The ball swung late and seamed off the surface, making it difficult for batters to build long innings or score freely.
Q10. Why is this match important despite Australia already winning the series?
Though Australia lead the series 2-0, this match is vital for both teams. Australia aim to fine-tune their pink-ball strategies, while West Indies are looking to rebuild confidence, test new players, and push for a morale-boosting win.
Q11. What should we expect on Day 2 of the Test?
West Indies will be looking to build partnerships and avoid early wickets in the first hour. Australia, armed with a fresh ball and a potent pace attack, will be aiming to take quick wickets and build a first-innings lead.
Q12. Who impressed most with the bat on Day 1?
Steve Smith played a fluent knock of 48, while Cameron Green added a composed 46. Both showed technical resilience and adaptability on a tough batting surface.