WI vs AUS [WATCH]: Shai Hope’s scintillating straight drive as West Indies fightback towards Australia on Day 2 of first Check

Within the opening recreation of the three-match Check sequence between West Indies and Australia, the hosts have proven outstanding resilience with the bat on Day 2. On a pitch providing vital help to the bowlers, the West Indies path by solely 45 runs with 5 wickets in hand at Lunch.

Shai Hope’s elegant drive off Mitchell Starc

Beginning the day at 57 for 4, the West Indies added 78 runs whereas shedding only one wicket within the first session of the second day’s play. A standout second got here within the twenty eighth over of the innings when West Indian batter Shai Hope performed a elegant shot off Mitchell Starc that left followers and specialists in awe. It was a fuller supply focusing on the center and leg stump; Hope offered the complete face of the bat on entrance foot and drove it straight down the bottom for a stupendous boundary.

Right here’s the video:

The maker’s identify for 4 extra from Shai Hope.#WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/iF3BK80b1K

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 26, 2025

Additionally WATCH: Shamar Joseph misses out on 5-wicket haul as Travis Head survives controversial catch on Day 1 of first Check

West Indies’ fightback strengthens place after early collapse 

On Day 2, after shedding Brandon King early, skipper Roston Chase and Hope have stitched collectively a invaluable 63-run partnership, placing their facet in a stronger place. Chase is nearing a gritty half-century with 44 runs to his identify, properly supported by Hope, who’s batting on 31. Earlier, Keacy Carty and Brandon King helped regular the ship on Day 1 after the West Indies misplaced each openers early with simply 16 runs on the board.

For the guests, Australia, it has been a difficult second day right here in Barbados. After a sub-par batting efficiency on Day 1, after they had been bowled out for simply 180 runs, their bowlers confirmed some resistance within the remaining session by eradicating the opposition’s high and center order. The tempo trio has as soon as once more stepped up—Starc and Josh Hazlewood have taken two wickets every, whereas skipper Pat Cummins claimed the essential wicket of Carty. The runners-up of the earlier World Check Championship (WTC) cycle will probably be trying to wrap issues up shortly as play continues in the present day.

Additionally READ: Ian Healy reacts after his phrases backfire as Shamar Joseph destroys Australia on Day 1 of first Check