West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales described his five-wicket haul on the opening day of the first Test as the “most special” of his career, after helping dismiss Australia for 180 at Kensington Oval — their lowest first-innings score in the Caribbean after choosing to bat first.
The 23-year-old Trinidadian spearheaded the home side’s attack with figures of 5 for 60, marking his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He previously took 5-55 against Pakistan at Sabina Park in 2021 and 6-61 versus South Africa in Guyana last year.
“It probably is my best five-wicket haul,” Seales admitted. “It wasn’t my best day. I didn’t feel at my best at any time throughout the day… I didn’t feel like I was in full control of what I wanted to do or was nailing my lengths and lines as consistently as I wanted. So this one is probably my most special.”
The Windies reached stumps on 57 for 4 in reply, with debutant Brandon King not out on 23 and captain Roston Chase unbeaten on one.
Seales said the team had prepared well for the surface, having seen signs of movement during their training camp. “We expected it to play like how it did today,” he explained. “And I think we utilised the conditions well this week.”
With both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne missing from the Australian line-up, Seales said the West Indies had identified opportunities in the visiting top order.
“We knew that coming into the Caribbean, pitches are a lot slower than what they are accustomed to in Australia… so we just tried our best to exploit it.”
He praised fellow pacer Shamar Joseph, whose hostile early burst helped set the tone. Joseph finished with 4 for 46.
“That’s what opened the game right up for us,” Seales said. “Blowing away the top one is the most important thing in Test cricket.”
Despite the dominance with the ball, Seales cautioned that the match was still wide open.
“I think the game is in the balance. Going into tomorrow, we need to get through that first hour and the first session without losing any wickets or make it one at the most, because we’ve already lost four.”
The Sir Frank Worrell Trophy encounter continues on Day Two, with the West Indies looking to chip away at the deficit and build a lead on a pitch offering plenty to the bowlers. (JC)
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