WEST INDIES debutant Shamar Joseph brought day one of the Adelaide Test to life, firing with both bat and ball against Australia. The 24-year-old posted the highest score by a Windies number 11 on Test debut (36), before making two breakthroughs as first change with the ball.

There was plenty of discourse surrounding Steve Smith‘s promotion to opener, though Joseph ensured he had a short stay by prizing the star batter’s wicket with his very first Test delivery. The firebrand followed up by removing Marnus Labuschagne (10), accounting for both his side’s third session wickets.

The tourists were sent in to bat in a surprise call at the toss. Pat Cummins‘ decision marked the first time since 1980 that an Australian captain had elected to do so in Adelaide. Though, his decision was justified as 12 wickets fell on the day, and the Windies were dismissed for under 200.

Things could have been much worse for the visiting team, which fielded three Test debutants. After Cummins came on and dismissed both openers cheaply, Josh Hazlewood (4-44) tore through the middle order to spark a collapse of 6-35 in the space of 67 deliveries (11.1 overs).

First drop Kirk McKenzie, playing in just his second Test, was a lone hand with his maiden half-century. He, too fell to Hazlewood before Joseph and experienced paceman Kemar Roach combined for the innings’ highest partnership – 55 runs for the 10th wicket.

The tailenders’ stand would have frustrated the Aussie attack, which had trouble getting rid of Pakistan’s number 10 and 11 earlier this summer. The pair survived an extra half-hour in the middle session and brought the West Indies’ total to 188, showing equal parts grit and flair.

In reply, it was finally time to see Smith at the crease as a Test opener. He took strike for the first ball, meaning he had batted at every position from one to nine in the red ball format. Unfortunately, after a couple of crisp pull shots, he copped a beauty from Joseph and was sent on his way.

Labuschagne followed him to the sheds shortly after, leaving Cameron Green to come out in his new role at number four. The West Australian allrounder survived 22 balls until stumps, while opener Usman Khawaja proved the mainstay for an unbeaten 30 having been dropped in the second over.

Play will resume tomorrow morning with the hosts trailing by 129 runs. Pressure will be on Green to go big alongside the cool head of Khawaja, potentially leaving a belligerent middle order to produce fireworks if all goes to plan.

SCORECARD

STUMPS, DAY ONE

TOSS: Australia won the toss & elected to bowl.

1ST INNINGS: West Indies 10-188 (62.1)
Kirk McKenzie 50 (94), Shamar Joseph 36 (41), Kemar Roach 17* (42)
Pat Cummins 4-41 (17), Josh Hazlewood 4-44 (15), Nathan Lyon 1-36 (12.1)

2ND INNINGS: Australia 2-59 (21)
Usman Khawaja 30* (54), Steve Smith 12 (26), Marnus Labuschagne 10 (25)
Shamar Joseph 2-18 (6), Alzarri Joseph 0-19 (7), Kemar Roach 0-21 (7)

West Indies lead by 129 runs.

SESSION BREAKDOWN:
1st Session: West Indies 3-64 (27)
2nd Session: West Indies 6-113 (32)
3rd Session: West Indies 1-11 (3.1) | Australia 2-59 (21)