Australian batter Steve Smith faced a challenging start during the match against the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval in his first appearance as a Test opener on January 17.
On the first day of their Test against the West Indies, Smith was dismissed by debutant Shamar Joseph after he scored 12 runs off 26 balls. Smith's dismissal occurred in the ninth over when he edged Joseph's delivery outside the off-stump, resulting in a catch by Justin Greaves at third slip. This early exit left Australia struggling at 33 for 1. Notably, Smith's dismissal was off the very first delivery bowled by Joseph in his Test career.
This achievement made Joseph the 23rd bowler to take a wicket with his first ball in men's Tests and the second West Indian to do so since Tyrell Johnson against England at The Oval in 1939.
Assuming the role of opening batter for Australia in Test matches, Smith stepped into the position vacated by David Warner's retirement earlier this month. The seasoned left-handed batter concluded his Test career after Australia's victory over Pakistan at his home ground in Sydney on January 6.
WEST INDIES BOWLED OUT ON DAY 1
The Australian bowling unit, spearheaded by captain Pat Cummins, showcased an impressive performance on Day 1. Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Australia managed to dismiss the West Indies for 188 runs.
Cummins initiated the proceedings in Adelaide by taking the wicket of opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul in the 10th over. Shortly after, in the 14th over, he delivered a brilliant ball that completely deceived West Indies skipper Kraigg Braithwaite, hitting the top of his off stump.
Pacer Josh Hazlewood made a significant impact for Australia by dismantling the West Indian middle-order. He dismissed Alick Athnaze in the 24th over and then got rid of Kaven Hodge, leaving the visitors struggling at 98 for 4.
Kirk McKenzie reached his half-century but fell victim to the extra bounce from a Hazlewood delivery, edging it into the safe hands of wicket-keeper Alex Carey. In the very next over, Hazlewood removed Greaves, further unsettling the West Indies at 108 for 6.
This spell marked a milestone for Hazlewood, as he completed 250 wickets in Test cricket, becoming the 11th Australian to achieve this feat.
Cummins re-entered the attack, claiming the dismissals of wicket-keeper batter Joshua de Silva and Alzarr Joseph, while Mitchell Starc took the wicket of Gudakesh Motie. The visitors were left at 133 for 9.
In a commendable effort, debutant Joseph and Kemar Roach formed a 55-run partnership for the last wicket, taking their side to a total of 188 before Lyon dismissed Joseph for 36.
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