Australia took the lead against the West Indies on the first day of the second Test, mainly because of Mitchell Starc's explosive bowling display. Before the dinner break, the left arm took three wickets against the inexperienced Windies batting lineup, sending them reeling at 64-5.

 

Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies captain, made the disastrous decision to bat first, giving up a paltry four runs to Josh Hazlewood. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie, unfamiliar with the pink-ball format, were easily defeated by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, respectively, demonstrating the ongoing rot.

The spotlight, however, belonged to Starc. Bowling with ferocious pace and swing, he trapped Jermaine Blackwood lbw for 17 before dismissing Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder to reach a monumental personal milestone – his 350th Test wicket. The crowd erupted in jubilation as Starc, now the fifth Australian bowler to reach this landmark, raised his arms in acknowledgement.

While Starc spearheaded the assault, Hazlewood and Lyon provided excellent support, picking up crucial wickets to keep the pressure on the West Indies. The Windies batters, struggling with the unfamiliar pink-ball conditions and the relentless Australian attack, could only muster tepid resistance.

With the sun setting over the Gabba, the West Indies face an uphill battle to salvage their innings. Their hopes rest on the shoulders of veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who remains unbeaten on 20, and the lower order.

Still, Australia has all the advantages going into the second day, with an excellent Starc leading the way and the pink ball providing additional support to the bowlers in Australia.