Brandon King, making his test debut, remained unbeaten on 23 despite dropping three catches earlier in the field. The day’s play saw 14 wickets fall, with 10 coming from edges as the pacers benefited from seam and swing movement.
Seales recorded his third test five-wicket haul, all achieved on home soil. Joseph continued his impressive form against Australia, bringing his total wickets against them to 17 out of his career tally of 34 in nine tests.
Australia’s batting struggles began after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat on what appeared to be a favorable pitch. The decision backfired as they were reduced to 22-3 within the first hour.
Sam Konstas, replacing Marnus Labuschagne, fell early for 3 to Joseph. Cameron Green also departed for 3 despite being dropped by King, while Josh Inglis, filling in for injured Steve Smith, was caught by keeper Shai Hope.
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head mounted some resistance with an 89-run partnership, the longest of the day. Head reached his fifty off 57 balls, while Khawaja fell for 47 off 128 balls to Joseph.
Head top-scored with 59 runs including nine boundaries before edging Justin Greaves behind. The Australian innings wrapped up inside 57 overs, marking their lowest first-innings total against the West Indies.
The West Indies’ reply got off to a shaky start as Mitchell Starc removed both openers. Kraigg Brathwaite fell for 4 and John Campbell departed for 7, both caught behind.
The hosts lost two more wickets as Pat Cummins dismissed Keacy Carty for 20, and Josh Hazlewood removed nightwatchman Jomel Worrican for a duck. New captain Roston Chase, playing his first test since March 2023, joined King at the crease.
