Crumbling Down Under: Australia's Pink-Ball Drama Against Windies in Historic 100th Test

Australia's batting order collapses spectacularly in day-night Test against West Indies, with Shamar Joseph's 4-wicket haul sparking dramatic 68-run meltdown during historic 100th Test match in Kingston.

Day-Night Test Turns Aussie Nightmare

Australia's much-vaunted batting lineup suffered a spectacular collapse during the pivotal day-night Test against West Indies at Sabina Park, crumbling from 157-3 to 225 all out in their first innings. The dramatic implosion came under the Caribbean floodlights, with rookie paceman Shamar Joseph (4-33) orchestrating the downfall during his devastating post-dinner spell.

Key Moments:

  • Steve Smith's patient 48 ended by Alzarri Joseph's reverse swing
  • Cameron Green's 46-run resistance broken by Justin Greaves' seam movement
  • 7 wickets fell for 68 runs in 19.3 overs under lights
  • Mitchell Starc claimed his 100th Test wicket by uprooting Kevlon Anderson's off-stump

Tactical Breakdown The pink Kookaburra ball came alive during the twilight session, with West Indies' four-pronged pace attack exploiting:

  1. Increased seam movement under LED lighting
  2. Tactical field placements crowding bat-pad corridors
  3. Reverse swing achieved through disciplined dry-side maintenance

Post-Day Analysis "The ball started talking after sunset," admitted Cameron Green. "We need to replicate their seam discipline tomorrow." West Indies closed Day 1 at 16-1, trailing by 209 runs but buoyed by:

  • Kemar Roach's economical opening spell (2-19 from 8 overs)
  • Debutant Greaves' three-wicket impact
  • Joseph brothers combining for 5 crucial scalps

Historical Context This collapse marks Australia's worst pink-ball Test performance since 2016 Adelaide, raising questions about their:

  • Middle-order fragility without David Warner
  • Adaptation to Caribbean dew factors
  • Ability to close out series 3-0

Day 2 Preview With Starc (1-6) and Cummins armed with the new ball, Australia aim to restrict Windies below 150. However, forecasted morning showers could create fresh challenges for both sides in this evolving pitch battle.

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