Day 1 of the second Test between West Indies and Australia at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada delivered a moment of pure cricketing theatre. Australia, having elected to bat, found themselves in early trouble before a controversial and spectacular dismissal swung momentum the hosts’ way. Shai Hope’s one-handed, low catch to remove Travis Head for 29 became the day’s defining highlight, with the third umpire’s close decision favouring the West Indies after a tense review. The incident reignited debates about umpiring after a series of contentious calls in the previous Test, setting the stage for another dramatic contest in the Caribbean.
Shai Hope pulls of a blinder to dismiss Travis Head
In the 27th over, with Australia reeling at 110 for 5, Shamar Joseph delivered a short, rising ball that forced Head into an awkward fend. The ball caught the edge and flew low to Hope’s left, where the wicketkeeper flung out a single glove to complete a remarkable, inches-above-the-turf catch.
The on-field umpire, unsure if the take was clean, sent it upstairs. After careful review, the third umpire ruled in favour of the fielding side, confirming Hope’s fingers were under the ball. The Australians, especially Head, looked less than convinced, but the decision stood—marking a rare moment of fortune for the West Indies after a string of controversial calls against them in the previous match. The dismissal was not just a technical triumph but a psychological boost for the home team, breaking a potentially dangerous partnership and lifting the energy in the stadium.
Here’s the video:
It’s right after the review! Shai Hope takes a brilliant catch to dismiss Travis Head.💥 #WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/6PEYmdk3Ns
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 3, 2025
Also READ: WI vs AUS: Carey-Webster century stand anchors Australia to 286 on Day 1 of Grenada Test
Alex Carey and Beau Webster rally Australia to a respectable total
Despite the setback of losing Head to a close call, Australia’s middle order refused to fold. Alex Carey and Beau Webster combined for a crucial 112-run partnership, steadying the innings on a pitch offering variable bounce and movement.
Carey played with aggression and intent, notching up his second consecutive Test fifty before falling for 63, while Webster’s composed 60 anchored the recovery. Their stand dragged Australia from 110 for 5 to a more respectable 222 for 6, before the lower order chipped in to push the total to 286 all out.
The day ended with both sides having reasons for optimism: West Indies had made key breakthroughs, but Australia’s resilience ensured the contest remained finely poised heading into Day 2.
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