West Indies Test head coach Andre Coley believes his team are still in with a chance to earn a positive result from the first Test against Australia but admits they have lost too many wickets, so far, in the second innings at the Adelaide Oval.

After a spirited bowling display that left Australia with a manageable 95-run lead at the start of the West Indies second innings, the tourists were 73-6 off 22.5 overs at stumps, needing a further 22 to make Australia have to chase a total.

“Obviously we had a good day on Tuesday and then a session and a half, maybe two sessions on Wednesday to claw our way back. Potentially two sessions a piece so even but, at the end of the day, we’re too many wickets down but, obviously, still in it,” Coley said in a press conference after the second day’s play.

“Generally, I thought out intent was pretty good but our decision-making was questionable. I think the challenge has been the consistency of the bowlers. Obviously, a wealth of experience in that Australian bowling attack so they’re able to stay patient,” he added.

The wicket of Cameron Green at the start of the day for 14 brought dynamic left-hander Travis Head to the crease and he was able to overcome a shaky start and take the game away from the West Indians with 119 off 134 balls, his seventh Test hundred.

“Originally, the plan to Head was to pretty much go short at him up front and plan B was to come back into him and shut him down which we did most of the time,” he said.

“By the time he was set, bowlers were jaded but I thought we stuck to the plans as well as we could and it worked well for the most part. The plan was simple, bowl out Australia in less than 90 overs. We never had a target in mind within 90 overs because we believed that if we were disciplined, we would bowl them out for a manageable total that we could chase down,” Coley added.

The star of the day, and the match so far for the West Indies, has been debutant Shamar Joseph.

After a swashbuckling 36 with the bat, Joseph starred with the ball to take his maiden Test five-wicket haul.

“I believe his performances speak for themselves,” Coley said on Joseph.

“What you see is what you get. We took him to South Africa earlier and we knew he was inexperienced but we knew he had pace. He had a natural ability to work to a plan and be consistent and disciplined around it and he’s done that. He shown what he’s capable of in this match,” he added.