Delhi | June 26, 2026 | WI vs AUS 1st Test: The much-awaited first Test between West Indies and Australia lived up to its billing with a dramatic opening day at Kensington Oval that saw bowlers from both sides take center stage. After Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat, his decision quickly backfired on a lively pitch offering consistent seam and swing movement.
West Indies’ young pace duo of Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph ran riot through the Australian batting lineup. Seales, continuing his impressive home record, claimed his third Test five-wicket haul with figures of 5/60, while Joseph’s fiery spell yielded 4/46. Only Usman Khawaja (47), Travis Head (59) and Cummins himself (28) offered meaningful resistance as Australia were bundled out for 180 in 57 overs – their lowest first-innings total against West Indies when batting first in a Test match.
Australia Strike Back in Final Session
The hosts’ reply began shakily as Mitchell Starc removed both openers Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and John Campbell (7) in quick succession. Late strikes from Cummins and Josh Hazlewood accounted for Keacy Carty (20) and nightwatchman Jomel Warrican (0), leaving West Indies reeling at 57/4 at stumps, still trailing by 123 runs.
The playing XI for the 1st Test v Australia at Kensington Oval.🔥#WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/m3yJdvvCyd
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 24, 2025
New skipper Roston Chase, playing his first Test in over two years, survived a nervy period to reach stumps unbeaten on 5 alongside debutant Brandon King (23*), who showed impressive composure despite an otherwise difficult day in the field where he dropped three catches.
WI vs AUS 1st Test: Pitch Conditions
The Kensington Oval surface proved a bowler’s paradise throughout the day, with ten of the fourteen dismissals coming from edges behind the wicket. The consistent movement off the seam and through the air made batting an arduous task, setting up what promises to be a gripping second day’s play where West Indies will look to rebuild while Australia push for early breakthroughs.
With both teams demonstrating their fast bowling prowess, this World Test Championship encounter has already delivered compelling cricket. The morning session on Day 2 could prove pivotal in determining which side gains the upper hand in this tightly contested match.
