Right then, that’s a wrap on an exciting Day 1 of this 3rd Test, where both teams battled hard to stay in the contest. West Indies will now be hoping to build some steady partnerships in the middle, while Australia will aim for early breakthroughs on Day 2 to seize the initiative. The action resumes on 14th July, Monday, at 6.30 pm GMT (Previous Day), and as always, we’ll be here with all the build-up. Cheers!

Cameron Green, one of the picks of the batters for Australia, is up for a quick chat. He reflects on the tough conditions for batters, saying every pitch in the series has been a real grind. Praise Usman Khawaja, who faced 90 balls and showed great application, even though he never quite looked settled. Adds that Steve Smith once again looked like he was batting on a different pitch with his fluency. Mentions that there are a lot of learnings from this kind of surface, as time in the middle is crucial to adjusting to the conditions, especially after struggling for rhythm in the previous match. Shares that he’s three months away from returning to full bowling duties but is happy with how things are shaping up. Says they worked hard as a unit and were pleased to get a crack at the opposition late in the day, managing to pick up a key wicket. Ends by saying the team is in a good position, and if they can strike early on Day 2, it could be a big first session for them.

The Test sprang to life in the final session under lights, just as anticipated, with the pink ball doing plenty. West Indies bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, while Australia, aware of the challenge, looked to up the scoring rate, at times a bit too aggressively, which led to a collapse. They lost their last seven wickets for just 68 runs, with Shamar Joseph once again proving to be a real menace. With injuries ruling out Mikyle Louis and John Campbell, it was Brandon King and Kevlon Anderson who opened the innings. However, the debutant couldn’t withstand Mitchell Starc’s fiery opening burst. Still, Roston Chase and King steadied things, ensuring no further damage and taking West Indies to stumps, trailing by 209 runs.

The game picked up pace in the second session as Australia came out with a more positive mindset. Although they lost Usman Khawaja early, Steve Smith and Cameron Green responded with a counter-attacking partnership that shifted the pressure back onto the hosts. West Indies turned to spin for control, and while they managed to contain the scoring rate, wickets remained elusive. Just before the Dinner break, Jayden Seales produced a beauty to dismiss Green, but they could not build on that.

After opting to bat first, Australia got off to a sluggish start, with both openers adopting a cautious approach. The West Indies pacers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, frequently beating the bat but failing to make a breakthrough. They did create a few chances, including a missed run-out opportunity for Konstas before Justin Greaves finally broke through with his very first delivery in this Test. That, however, was the only success for the visitors in the session. Still, they wouldn’t be too disappointed, having restricted the Aussies to just 50 runs by the Tea break.

SESSION SUMMARY - 103 runs and 8 wickets in 27.3 overs! What began as a seemingly uneventful Test in the first session has quickly transformed into an enthralling contest, especially under the lights. The conditions have brought the bowlers into the game in a big way, and both sides have made the most of it. With the pink ball continuing to do plenty, things are only going to get tougher for the batters. As it stands, the match is finely balanced and could tilt in either direction.

Last over coming up before Stumps. It will Scott Boland to bowl it.