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Shamar Joseph's debut in Test cricket became memorable as he dismissed Australia's renowned batter Steven Smith with his first delivery, marking a rare highlight for West Indies in an otherwise challenging first day in the opening Test of the series on January 17. The Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, dominated the day at the Adelaide Oval. After electing to bowl first, the hosts skilfully restricted West Indies to a total of 188. Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were particularly effective, claiming four wickets each, making the most of the conditions. At stumps, Australia was positioned at 59 for 2, trailing West Indies by 129 runs.
West Indies had some moments of resistance, notably from Kirk McKenzie who scored his first Test half-century in his second appearance. A significant 55-run partnership for the 10th wicket between Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach brought the visitors closer to the 200-run mark.
The focus then shifted to Australia’s innings, with Steven Smith opening the batting for the first time in Tests, replacing the recently retired David Warner. However, Joseph's dream start saw Smith depart for just 12 runs, caught at slip off Joseph's first ball in Test cricket. Joseph further stamped his mark by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne towards the day's end.
Usman Khawaja was steady at 30 not out, joined by Cameron Green, who was making his comeback in Test cricket, batting at six not out.
Cummins, who had been in exceptional form with 19 wickets in the recent series against Pakistan, continued his impressive run. He claimed the wicket of opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul in his opening over, followed by a brilliant ball to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies captain.
Hazlewood reached a personal milestone during the match, claiming his 250th Test wicket. He achieved this by dismissing Alick Athanaze before lunch and continued his incisive bowling post-interval, taking down Kavem Hodge and McKenzie, who provided the main resistance with his half-century.
Justin Greaves soon followed, becoming Hazlewood's fourth victim, while Cummins returned to the attack to dismiss Joshua da Silva and Alzarri Joseph, leading to a collapse in the West Indies batting lineup.
Shamar Joseph's late effort, scoring 36 runs, and his partnership with Roach, offered some resilience. However, Nathan Lyon ended their stand, trapping Joseph leg-before wicket.
Smith's opening batting experience was cut short by Joseph, who induced an edge to slip. Joseph's celebration was a sight to behold as he was swarmed by his teammates, marking a dream debut.
Joseph continued his impressive spell, capturing Labuschagne's wicket with a hook shot caught at the boundary. Khawaja and Green then cautiously moved Australia towards the close of play.
The West Indies team, striving to break their long-standing Test win drought in Australia since 1997, fielded a significantly changed squad with only five players from the previous year's matches against Australia and seven uncapped players. They felt the absence of key players like Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Jayden Seales.
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