Tag: australia

BARBADOS: West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph gave a strong reply to critics with a fiery four-wicket haul against Australia on the opening day of the first Test here at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday.

The right pacer was on song, which left Australia struggling at 138-6 on day one at the stroke of the tea.

Shamar Joseph’s spell rattled Australia as he dismissed all three in the top order, including Sam Konstas. Later he came back to castle Beau Webster with a peach of a delivery.  The pacer has taken four wickets in his 13 overs so far.

Joseph, who made his Test debut in 2024, was applauded for his outstanding spell against Australia at the Gabba last year.

The right-arm pacer claimed seven wickets in the game to hand West Indies a historic victory on Australian soil.

However, the pacer was out of action for a while due to a toe injury he sustained while facing a deadly inswinging delivery from Mitchell Starc.

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The pacer has now made his red-ball comeback in the first Australia vs West Indies Test in Barbados.

Ahead of the series, Shamar Joseph warned Australia’s young batter Sam Konstas, which did not sit well with the Aussie fans, former cricketers.

“Just look out, that’s all.” Shamar Joseph had warned Sam Konstas ahead of the first Test between the two teams.

Meanwhile, the warning did not sit well with former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy, who criticized Joseph.

“He’s had a terrible year since he went through us at the Gabba. He had this toe that had blown up and didn’t think he could play, he got out of his injury bed after someone said just come down and try it, and then he realised ‘oh you can play with pain.

Shamar has come out today and said to Konstas to just look out and watch what is coming,” he said.

“Ok Shamar well you’ve delivered crap all year. So he better improve, that’s what I’m saying in the dressing room. He’s got real trouble. You’re not Curtly Ambrose, champ.” Ian Healy concluded.

READ: Mitchell Starc on the verge of major milestone in West Indies Test series

BARBADOS: Australia speedster Mitchell Starc is on the verge of achieving a major milestone in the three-match Test series against the West Indies. 

Starc, currently featuring in the Australian playing XI in the ongoing first Test, has 387 scalps to his name in 97 Test matches.

The pacer requires thirteen more wickets to reach the milestone of 400 wickets in Test cricket. With this feat, he will become the second Australian pacer after Glenn McGrath to claim 400 wickets.

Most Test Wickets for Australia

Shane Warne 708 wickets in 108 matches

Glenn McGrath 563 wickets in 124 matches

Nathon Lyon 553 wickets in 137 matches

Mitchell Starc* 387 wickets in 97 matches

In addition to this, Mitchell Starc could also surpass former Australia great Bree Lee’s tally of 718 international wickets in 322 matches. Currently, Starc has 710 wickets to his name in 289 international appearances.

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Moreover, if the 35-year-old features in all three games of the series, he will be the 16th Australian to play 100 Test matches.

At the time of writing this report, Australia were 21-2 in 13 overs. Usman Khawaja (9) and Josh Inglis (5) remained unbeaten in an attempt to steady the innings.

For the West Indies, Shamar Joseph bagged two wickets in the opening burst, removing Sam Konstas and Cameron Green for three runs respectively.

West Indies XI:

Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty,  Brandon King, Roston Chase (c),  Shai Hope (wk),  Justin Greaves,  Jomel Warrican,  Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

Australia XI:

Usman Khawaja,  Sam Konstas, Cameron Green,  Josh Inglis,  Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c),  Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon,  Josh Hazlewood

Schedule For Australia-West Indies Test Series

1st Test: June 25-29, Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

2nd Test: July 3-7, National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada

3rd Test: July 12-16, Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica

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Cameron Green is the “long-term option” to bat at number three for Australia, Pat Cummins said, after the captain named his team for the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados.

The recalled 19-year-old Sam Konstas will open alongside Usman Khawaja, after it was previously announced that Marnus Labuschagne had been dropped.

“Sammy is obviously an opener, and the available spot for Josh this week is at number four,” added Cummins.

Australia have retained the same bowling attack that played in the defeat to South Africa, with just one specialist spinner in Nathan Lyon.

“We don’t really know what to expect, but it feels like the three quicks are better suited for this wicket,” fast bowler Cummins said.

“I think it’ll be a pretty good wicket with maybe a little bit of spin later on in the game, (but) honestly, I’ve got no idea.”

It’s worth noting that Cameron Green scored only four runs and faced just five balls in the World Test Championship (WTC) final defeat against South Africa this month after being elevated to come in at the fall of the first wicket.

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But Cummins told reporters in Barbados that Green would retain his place in the batting order, with Josh Inglis at number four while Steve Smith recovers from a finger injury.

“We always like to not have too many moving parts,” Cummins said. “We see (Green at three) as a long-term option. He’s hitting the ball really well.”

“He had a Test match where it didn’t go to plan. The message is not to look into that too much.

“We’re really happy with where his game is placed, and I dare say he’ll get a decent run at number three.”

On the other hand, a new-look West Indies will also line up with three quick bowlers in Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales.

Roston Chase, who has replaced Kraigg Brathwaite as captain and will be playing his first Test in more than two years, has two spinners at his disposal.

Chase said he hoped the visitors were “still hurting” from Shamar Joseph’s seven-wicket haul in their shock win at Brisbane’s Gabba in January 2024.

The West Indies team contains just four players from the eight-run win at the Gabba and just three survivors from their last Test, against Pakistan in January.

PLAYING XIs

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (capt), Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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Veteran opener Usman Khawaja has put retirement speculations to rest, reaffirming his commitment to Australia’s Test side ahead of their two-match series against the West Indies.

The 38-year-old, who is set to return to the top of the order, believes he still has plenty to contribute, not just with the bat but also as a mentor to 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who is expected to partner him at the top following David Warner’s retirement.

“I understand I’m 38 years old, people will always look for an excuse,” Khawaja said while addressing the media in Barbados.

“But I still have a role to play, opening the batting, providing a solid start, and setting up a platform for Australia.”

Khawaja, who formed a successful partnership with Warner across 41 innings, is now eyeing a similar bond with Konstas.

“With young Sammy [Sam Konstas] coming in, it’s an added role for me, helping him through his journey and passing on knowledge,” he said.

“I won’t be around forever, so it’s important to build some stability at the top and guide him while I can. He’s still very young, and it’s exciting to see what he can do.”

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Despite whispers about a dip in form, particularly against seam bowling, Khawaja stood firm, defending his technique and contribution.

Notably, since January 2024, Usman Khawaja averages 25.29 against pace, slightly below the global average of 27.84 for openers.

“I don’t understand how people say I struggle against seam if I’ve scored so many runs in Shield cricket and been Australia’s top scorer in the WTC,” he said.

“As an opener, you face the new ball every time; that’s just the nature of the job. I wish I could face more spin.”

While there’s growing chatter that the Sydney Test at the end of this year’s home Ashes series might be his farewell, Khawaja isn’t in a hurry to draw the curtain on his career.

“I’m not someone saying I want to play another 10 years, it’s about what’s best for the team,” he said.

“I could have stopped two years ago, but I knew I was still contributing. When that changes, everyone will know.”

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Australia’s middle-order batter Travis Head has urged his team to move on from the loss against South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at the iconic Lord’s stadium.

Travis Head remained optimistic about Australia’s chances ahead of their new World Cup Test Championship campaign, which is set to commence on Wednesday with a three-match series against the West Indies.

“There’s added motivation to go out there and play well,” Head said ahead of the first Test in Barbados while admitting that Australia did not play according to expectations against the Proteas.

 

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The southpaw expressed confidence in his team’s chances in the upcoming WTC cycle, stressing the need to move on from the loss.

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“We’ve got two more years to build, and this is another first look at it, so I think if you dwell on it for too long or if you look back, you forget about what’s moving forward,” he said.

“Of course, we care and, of course, it’s not ideal. But at the end of the day you can’t change it. You have to move on. You have to get back on the horse,” Travis Head added.

It is noteworthy to mention that Australia will be without the services of ace batter Steve Smith, who is recovering from a finger injury in New York. In contrast, former No.1 Test-ranked batter Marnus Labuschagne has been axed from the squad due to a slump in form.

Travis Head is now the most experienced middle-order batter in the Test against the West Indies.

They [the pitches] spun a little bit here,” he recalled. “They were pretty slow, but I’ve heard different things, especially with the Dukes and what that brings,” Head said of West Indies pitches on the back of his experience in the Caribbean.

Australia Squad For West Indies Tests

Pat Cummins (c), Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann

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BARBADOS: Teenage Australian opener Sam Konstas has unveiled a special tattoo in tribute to his Test debut, commemorating his maiden appearance in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India last year at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Speaking to the media ahead of Australia’s opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, the 19-year-old displayed fresh ink on his forearm, Test cap number 468, a permanent reminder of his international breakthrough.

“I got my Test number, 468, tattooed on my forearm,” Konstas told reporters on Saturday. “I told my parents straight away I was going to do it, so no dramas there.”

Just weeks after his debut, the young opener made a trip to a tattoo parlour in Sydney to etch the moment into memory.

But while he’s happy with the tribute, Konstas says that’s where the body art ends, at least for now.

With Marnus Labuschagne dropped due to poor form and Steve Smith ruled out with a finger injury, Konstas has been confirmed as a certain starter for the first Test against the West Indies starting June 25 in Barbados.

The right-hander’s Test career began with a bang when he smashed a fiery 60 against India on debut, taking on Jasprit Bumrah with a fearless array of unorthodox shots.

But what followed was a quick exit. His attacking style, while thrilling, drew criticism, with some branding it “reckless,” and he was axed after just one more Test in Sydney.

Now back on the side, Sam Konstas is aiming for redemption — and a more measured approach.

“I still can’t believe it,” he said, reflecting on his whirlwind debut.

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“The emotions probably got to me, especially with the crowd in Melbourne. But it was good to have some time off and reflect. I’ve worked hard on strengthening my game. Hopefully, we win the next Test match.”

Konstas admitted he may have let the moment get to his head during those two Tests, but insists he’s learning to balance aggression with responsibility.

“I’m not trying to prove to anyone how I’m going to play,” he added.

“I just want to be myself, but also know when to take the game on. I trust the people I work with — they understand my game.”

READ: Sam Konstas ready to prove critics wrong in West Indies Test

Teenage Australia opener Sam Konstas said on Saturday that he had “come a long way” from his combative debut against India after winning his place back for the opening Test against the West Indies.

The 19-year-old made headlines in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test last year when he took on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to make a blazing debut 60 with a slew of unorthodox shots.

But he only lasted one more Test before being jettisoned, with some pundits seeing his batting as “reckless”.

With a struggling Marnus Labuschagne dropped for the opening Test in Barbados on June 25 and Steve Smith out nursing an injured finger, Konstas has another chance, confirmed as a certain starter.

“The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas, who has his Test cap No.468 tattooed on his forearm, said of his explosive Boxing Day knock.

“I’ve been trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and I feel like I’ve come a long way, so hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches.”

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Sam Konstas is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, 19 years his senior, with an opportunity to cement the position as his own.

Since David Warner retired some 18 months ago, Australia have tried five openers, including Konstas, and with an Ashes series against England later this year, they need stability.

“Very excited. Obviously, it’s a tough team to crack into as we’ve got legends of the game,” said the teenager. “Hopefully, I grab my opportunity with both hands.”

“It’s a dream come true to be honest, 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world. I’m very lucky to be where I am currently.”

Australia is set to play three Tests against the West Indies, with the first game scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados.

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Australia on Friday dropped Marnus Labuschagne for the opening match of their three-Test tour of the West Indies after a poor run of form, while Steve Smith is out injured.

Teenager Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis come into the starting XI for the opening match in Barbados starting on Wednesday.

Labuschagne opened the batting in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa last week but managed scores of only 17 and 22 on a challenging Lord’s pitch.

His last hundred for Australia in Test matches was in July 2023, against England at Manchester. Since then, Labuschagne has averaged 24.7 with the bat, in 16 matches.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” chair of selectors George Bailey said.

“He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects.

“We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively.”

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Meanwhile, Steve Smith injured his finger while fielding in the slips at Lord’s. He left the field and did not return, watching South Africa’s winning run chase from the pavilion.

“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal, so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” Bailey said.

The 19-year-old Konstas will earn his third cap for Australia during the Test against the West Indies, and his first since January.

He made a blistering debut against India in December, blasting 60 from just 65 balls opening the batting and playing a number of audacious scoop shots against Jasprit Bumrah.

Konstas managed only 53 runs in his next three innings, but the teenager’s raw talent has selectors excited.

Inglis will also make his third appearance in Test cricket, having made 102 on debut against Sri Lanka in January.

Bailey said the batting order and final team would be determined closer to the first Test.

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South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has revealed an emotional chat with Australia’s explosive batter Travis Head after South Africa clinched the ICC World Championship (WTC) title at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.

The Proteas ended their 27-year wait for an ICC title with a five-wicket win against the defending champions, Australia, in the WTC final.

Aiden Markram starred with the bat, scoring 136 runs in a vital partnership formed with skipper Temba Bavuma.

Wiaan Mulder, who was a teammate of Travis Head in the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has discussed their conversation after the WTC final.

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“I actually spoke to him (Head) last night on the phone,” Mulder told ICC Digital. “He was happy for us and the way things went. Of course, he was heartbroken that they didn’t win, but I think the spirit of the game was as high and as good as it could be.”

Mulder hailed Aussies as true champions while praising Travis Head and Pat Cummins for their demeanour.

“When you think about the Aussies, you often think of them as being a bit aggressive at times, but these guys are true champions,” he said. “Heady is one of the nicest people around, and Patty (Pat Cummins) is also a great guy,” he said.

The right-handed all-rounder who did not play a single match in the IPL shared insights during his stint with SRH.

“I spent a lot of time with them during the IPL. There was a lot of friendly banter,” Mulder said.

It is noteworthy to mention that Wiaan Mulder was asked to bat at number three in the WTC despite not being a regular at this number. The 27-year-old scored six and 27 runs in the Test match; however, he got the prized wicket of Travis Head in Australia’s second innings.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, Jay Shah, has faced backlash over multiple appearances in the World Test Championship (WTC) final video.

In a 45-second video posted on social media, Jay Shah appeared multiple times. The video begins with a breathtaking shot of the iconic Lord’s Pavilion, then cuts to a slow-motion sequence of Jay Shah walking onto the ground.

The Indian administrator is also seen in conversation with ECB chair Richard Thompson, standing and applauding as he steals a sly glance at the camera, and congratulating South Africa’s current and past players.

Overall, Shah featured in 11 of the 23 shots used in the 45-second-long video.

Following the video release, Jay Shah was criticised heavily for his appearance in the WTC final promo.

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One of the critics wrote on a social media platform X: “If you blink at the wrong time, you’ll miss the only shot of Pat Cummins.” Another critic described his appearance as ‘beyond weird.

It is noteworthy to mention that South Africa sealed the WTC title after defeating the defending champions, Australia, by five wickets while chasing a challenging 282-run target here on Saturday.

South Africa were 213-2 at the start of day 4, needing only 69 runs to clinch the title. However, Mitchell Starc struck with the prized wicket of Temba Bavuma, who was removed after a well-made 65 despite struggling with an injury.

With only six runs needed to win, Kyle Verreynne joined Bedingham (21) and contributed four of those runs, including the winning run, thus ending South Africa’s ICC title drought.

Aiden Markram starred for South Africa in the second innings after a forgettable six-ball duck in the first innings. He scored a sublime 136 runs, while Kagiso Rabada was pivotal with the ball for the Proteas, taking nine wickets in the match.

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