On the second day of the Test match in 2025, West Indies coach Daren Sammy had a post-game discussion with match referee Javagal Srinath regarding some contentious decisions by TV umpire Adrian Holdstock. Sammy expressed his dissatisfaction about certain dismissals made with technological assistance during the game.
However, during West Indies’ second innings, there was little room for complaint. A challenging pitch, combined with astute bowling from an experienced Australian lineup and a couple of ill-advised shots, led to the West Indies’ downfall.
Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite in his first over. Although Shai Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul momentarily stabilized the innings, it was Chanderpaul’s misjudged lap scoop against Josh Hazlewood that initiated a string of dismissals, gifting Alex Carey an easy catch.
Hazlewood’s unrelenting pressure continued as he dismissed Brandon King for a golden duck, with Cameron Green taking a catch at gully after an inside edge hit King’s pad. West Indies captain Roston Chase followed suit, skying an inside edge to Sam Konstas at short leg.
Hazlewood’s dominance persisted, uprooting Joshua Carty’s off stump and later having Raymon Reifer caught at slip. Despite a valiant effort from Alzarri Joseph, who struck four sixes in a quick-fire 44, West Indies couldn’t extend play into the fourth day, with Nathan Lyon sealing the deal in the final over.
“I thought once the West Indies took the second new ball, the game could shift, but not that quickly,” Hazlewood remarked, acknowledging the tricky pitch conditions. “There are a few cracks and some deliveries varied in bounce, which led to several bowleds and LBWs. We just maintained our lengths consistently.”