Joshua Da Silva and Kavem Hodge guided West Indies to a total of 266 for eight against Australia with determined half-centuries on the first day of the day-night test at the Gabba on January 25.
Da Silva (79) and Hodge (71) forged a 149-run partnership over almost two sessions, creating a rare frustrating day for the Australians in a home season where they previously whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 and won the first test against West Indies at Adelaide by 10 wickets.
Off-spinning all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, making his Test debut in place of Gudakesh Motie, remained unbeaten on 16. Alzarri Joseph contributed with seven boundaries among his 32 runs before getting caught by Josh Hazlewood in the slips in the last over.
Nathan Lyon separated Da Silva and Hodge just two overs before the second new ball was due. Lyon dismissed Da Silva lbw while bowling round the wicket. The batter unsuccessfully reviewed the decision.
The second new pink ball claimed Hodge and Joseph.
Hodge got caught at second slip off Mitchell Starc, who finished with figures of 4-68.
Da Silva's patient innings, spanning 157 balls, included seven boundaries. He faced a brief spell of short balls from the Australian quicks in the second session, during which captain Pat Cummins utilised seven bowlers without any success.
Hodge, playing in his second test, launched Starc for six over fine leg after the dinner break and struck eight boundaries in his 194-ball innings. He displayed impressive drives to deliveries on the off side that were overpitched.
Australia had an opportunity to break the West Indies' first-century stand in the series early in the last session, but Hodge's edge passed through the vacant second slip. Cameron Green couldn't secure a challenging left-handed catch at gully off Starc.
Hodge and Da Silva exhibited considerable patience against the Australian pace trio and Lyon's spin threat, constructing a brilliant partnership against a softened pink ball. The pitch also became more favourable for batting during the twilight.
Earlier, Starc achieved the milestone of becoming the fifth Australian bowler to take 350 test wickets when he claimed three in the first session.
Starc dismissed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, caught at slip by Steve Smith for 21, and Alick Athanaze, caught behind by Alex Carey for 8, as the West Indies top order grappled with the bounce of the pitch. Starc then removed Justin Greaves for 6 with the last ball before tea.
Australia maintain a flawless record in day-night tests, winning all 11 matches played with the pink ball. As anticipated, Australia opener Usman Khawaja received clearance to play. Travis Head is expected to participate despite recently testing positive for COVID-19.
Despite contracting COVID-19 after a match-winning century in Adelaide, Head is reportedly recovering well, according to Cummins.
Cricket Australia announced that all-rounder Green and coach Andrew McDonald were the latest squad members to contract COVID-19 on January 24. They underwent isolation until testing negative. Following Cricket Australia protocols, Green and McDonald were deemed eligible to participate in the Test.
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