Starc Confident in Barbados Conditions as Australia Aim to Avoid Series Defeat to West Indies

Mitchell Starc has dismissed comparisons between the surface at Kensington Oval and the one at Lord’s earlier this month, as Australia prepare for a decisive third day in the first Test against West Indies, aiming to avoid a rare series loss. Australia hold an 82-run lead heading into Day 3, with Travis Head and Beau Webster set to resume their partnership at the crease.

Reflecting on the ongoing match, Starc noted that the Barbados pitch has offered far more variable bounce than the Lord’s surface during the World Test Championship final. “We saw yesterday the ball shoot low one over and then bounce sharply the next—it’s a pitch where you’re never really in,” he said. “Unlike Lord’s, where the wicket flattened out under the sun, this surface continues to challenge both batters and bowlers.”

With Australia hoping for valuable runs from the lower order, Starc emphasized the importance of pushing the total beyond West Indies’ comfort zone. “If Trav and Beau can build on their stand and the lower order chips in, we can post a target that tests them,” he added.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, meanwhile, offered a mix of humor and frustration when asked about a chaseable target. “I’d love to chase 82. Somebody get a double hat-trick or something,” he quipped, acknowledging the tight situation while expressing concern over fielding lapses that have plagued his side.

West Indies dropped Sam Konstas twice on zero—taking their dropped catch count to six in the match—though they were spared greater damage as Shamar Joseph eventually dismissed the young batter for just 5. Joseph had earlier removed Konstas for 3 in the first innings and has clearly found a weakness in the newcomer.

Sammy did not hold back in assessing his side’s slip fielding. “Pretty sure they’re going to get a nice bollocking,” he said. “Catching is a skill, especially in the slips, and it’s something we have to constantly work on. Good teams will make you pay. So far it hasn’t been too costly, but this can’t continue if we want to achieve our goals.”

Despite the missed opportunities, Sammy praised the discipline of his bowlers and credited Joseph for executing plans effectively against the Australian top order. “He said before the Test he was ready for Konstas, and he’s delivered. The lines and areas the bowlers hit made life very difficult for their batters,” Sammy noted.