Umpiring Controversies and West Indies Pace Attack Put Australia on the Ropes in Barbados Test

West Indies' pace attack put Australia's top order under pressure, leaving the visitors at 92 for four at the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test at Kensington Oval. The hosts, after being bowled out for 190 in response to Australia's 180, ensured the pressure remained, setting up a tense Day 3. Australia currently lead by 82 runs with six wickets in hand.

Frustration mounts as third umpire decisions plague West Indies vs Australia Test.

Day 2 in Barbados was filled with action, witnessing 10 wickets fall after the 14 from the previous day. However, controversial third-umpire decisions became a significant talking point, visibly frustrating the West Indies team.

Travis Head and Beau Webster will resume batting on Day 3. Each of the four West Indian bowlers managed to take a wicket, keeping their team firmly in contention.

Alzarri Joseph, after going wicketless in the first innings, made a crucial breakthrough in the final session, dismissing Usman Khawaja lbw. Shamar Joseph, who impressed on Day 1, experienced frustration when Sam Konstas was dropped twice in the same over. Persistence paid off as Konstas later dragged a delivery onto his stumps.

Jayden Seales, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, struck again by bowling Josh Inglis, who offered no shot.

Cameron Green's struggles at number three continued as he edged Justin Greaves to first slip, departing cheaply.

Earlier, a 67-run partnership between West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope stabilized the innings after a morning collapse to 72 for five. Debutant Brandon King, scoring 26, was bowled by Josh Hazlewood.

Controversial Dismissals Spark Debate

Controversy erupted after lunch when Roston Chase was given out leg-before to Pat Cummins. Replays suggested Chase had edged the ball onto his pads, yet television umpire Adrian Holdstock made the call.

Holdstock was involved again when Shai Hope, on 48, was adjudged caught down the leg side by Alex Carey off Webster's bowling. Despite replays suggesting the ball may have touched the ground, Holdstock upheld the decision.

Alzarri Joseph added an unbeaten 23 before the West Indies innings concluded. Mitchell Starc was Australia's leading bowler with 3 for 65.

Starc commented on the controversial dismissals, stating, "We can only ask the questions. That's what we have the technology for. The questions have to be asked in that direction, not at the players."

Reflecting on the match, Starc noted the pitch's competitiveness. "Throughout the two days it's shown that if you bowl in the right areas there are enough chances (created)," he said. "Even when the ball got older or was changed it still did some sideways stuff so the bowlers have been in the game throughout so far and that is likely to continue tomorrow."