Though he continues to cling to optimism, former West Indies captain Carl Hooper says the current state and direction of West Indies cricket has him deeply concerned, particularly after the team's disappointing performances in the first two Tests against Australia.
As anticipation builds for the historic pink-ball Test between West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has thrown his support behind the multimillion-dollar upgrade of the venue, particularly the installation of lights, as he insisted that the investment is justified well beyond the one-off spectacle.
Alzarri Joseph’s four-wicket haul ensured West Indies stayed in the contest as Beau Webster and Alex Carey both struck half-centuries for Australia to leave things finely balanced after an absorbing opening day of the second Test at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Thursday.
The countdown is on, and the energy is building as Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially confirms that all systems are go for the historic day/night Test match between the West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park, scheduled to bowl off on Saturday.
As West Indies and Australia brace for the second Test of their three-match series, all eyes will be on veteran opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who is set to become just the 10th West Indian to play 100 Test matches, a momentous personal milestone amid a broader team effort to bounce back from a 159-run defeat in Barbados.
With history and heart on their side, West Indies captain Roston Chase is backing his side to bounce back from a disappointing opening Test defeat and deliver a more complete performance in the second Test of their three-match series against world number one Australia in Grenada.
Roston Chase is ready to embrace the moment. With the weight of history, the expectations of a proud cricketing region, and a personal milestone all colliding in Bridgetown this week, the newly appointed West Indies Test captain is focused not on the past, but on sparking a new era of belief, starting with Australia.
The day began with the West Indies winning the toss, offering them a golden opportunity. However, Starc had different plans, dismantling the top order in the opening session. He took three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins each contributed with one. The West Indies' top six struggled to adapt to the extra bounce, with five of them nicking deliveries that could have been left alone.
Just when it seemed like the West Indies might squander their chance, Kavem Hodge and Joshua Da Silva orchestrated a remarkable fightback during the middle session. They batted through the twilight period, frustrating the Australian bowlers on what was considered a good batting pitch at the Gabba. The duo forged a resilient partnership of 149 for the sixth wicket, showcasing excellent defense and decision-making.
As the pink ball softened and the pitch flattened out, Da Silva and Hodge capitalized on any overpitched deliveries, driving with control through cover and down the ground. Despite Australia cycling through seven bowlers in the session, including Marnus Labuschagne, the West Indies' batsmen stood firm, forming the highest and longest stand of the series to date.
Da Silva's valiant effort eventually came to an end when he fell for 79 to a delivery from Nathan Lyon. Attempting to flick the ball, he missed and was adjudged plumb in front. Hodge, on the other hand, continued his impressive innings, reaching 71 before edging to slip off Mitchell Starc.
The lower order then contributed, with Kevin Sinclair and Alzarri Joseph adding a valuable 41 runs. Joseph played the aggressor, striking seven fours in his quick 22-ball knock. However, Josh Hazlewood induced a thick edge off the last ball of the day, dismissing Joseph for 32. Kevin Sinclair was not out on 16 at the close.
Earlier in the day, the top order struggled to display the same discipline. Kraigg Brathwaite was the first to fall, enticed into a half-hearted drive by Hazlewood. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie steadied the ship briefly, but McKenzie's aggression led to his downfall as he nicked to slip while trying to cut Cummins off the front foot.
Starc returned before the first break to claim three wickets in quick succession. Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, and Justin Greaves all fell victim to Starc's skillful bowling. Athanaze's dismissal marked a milestone for Starc, as he secured his 350th Test wicket, becoming the fifth Australian to achieve this feat and leaving him just four wickets behind Dennis Lillee on Australia's all-time list. The West Indies will look to regroup and build on their total on the second day of this captivating Test match.
Much like he has done with distinction in the white-ball arena, Shai Hope is now hoping to bring the same level of credibility and consistency to West Indies’ Test setup as he returns to the red-ball format after a lengthy hiatus.
Expectations were high for the West Indies to begin the new ICC World Test Championship cycle with a strong showing on home soil, but by mid-afternoon on day three, those hopes had evaporated as the Caribbean side slumped to a crushing 159-run defeat to Australia in the opening Test at Kensington Ovalon Friday.
Jamaican batsman Brandon King is embracing both the challenge and the moment, as West Indies hope to salvage some pride by closing out their three-match Test series against world number one Australia on a high under lights at Sabina Park.
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped for the first Test against West Indies, while Steven Smith was also ruled out through injury, as Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis were named as their replacements.
As the countdown ticks toward the historic first-ever pink-ball Test match in Jamaica, President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Dr. Donovan Bennett, is standing firm in his belief that Sabina Park is ready to shine—literally and figuratively—despite lingering concerns over whether the newly installed floodlights will live up to expectations.
Though the Frank Worrell Trophy is no longer up for grabs, the stakes remain high for West Indies captain Roston Chase and his team as they gear up for the historic pink ball day/night Test at Sabina Park, which bowls off on Saturday.
Having done their assessment from a disappointing outing in Barbados, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy is demanding a sharper, more focused performance, particularly in the field and with the bat, in the second Test against Australia, which gets underway on Thursday.
With the first ball of the Test series against Australia just days away, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has drawn confidence not only from the tactical preparation of his players but also from the spirit, unity, and fierce attention to detail displayed throughout their just-concluded pre-series camp.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has offered limited comments on the sexual assault allegations reportedly made against a West Indies player, as he stressed the importance of allowing the justice system to take its course while expressing support for a fair and transparent process.
As tensions simmer over a string of umpiring decisions that sparked confusion and debate on the second day of the opening Test against Australia, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy stressed the need for his players to focus on what they can control.
West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct during the opening day of the first match of their ICC World Test Championship series against Australia in Bridgetown on Wednesday.