In the second day’s opening session at the day/night Test at Gabba, the West Indies increased their overnight score of 266/8 by adding 45 runs, reaching a competitive total of 311 in the final match of the Australian summer.
Kevin Sinclair played a crucial role in this effort, notching up a half-century on his debut, supported by Kemar Roach, who valiantly faced 40 balls before an unfortunate run-out. Despite this setback, Roach made a significant impact in the lead-up to dinner, putting the West Indies in a commanding position for the first time in the series.
Roach initiated his devastating spell in the very first over, inducing a sharp nip-back delivery that caught Steve Smith plumb in front of the stumps. Meanwhile, Alzarri Joseph, at the other end, had Marnus Labuschagne nicking a back-of-a-length delivery to second slip, where Sinclair took a remarkable diving catch.
The spotlight then returned to Roach, who, just before the break, dismissed Cameron Green with a well-placed drive straight into the hands of the catching mid-off and trapped Travis Head down the leg side for a golden duck, leaving the Kangaroos with only two balls to navigate safely to the interval.
First ball for Travis Head! 😬
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 26, 2024
Kemar Roach will be on a hat-trick in 40 minutes time! #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/cGsQuOOh53
Roach’s exceptional performance was met with celebration from teammates, as he led them off the field amid a rousing ovation at the traditionally hostile Gabba. Twitterati echoed their praises, speculating on the potential game-changing impact of Roach’s spell and contemplating the West Indies’ chance of securing their first victory Down Under since 2003.