Controversy and Pace Dominate as Australia Cling to Slim Lead Against West Indies in Barbados Test

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Barbados witnessed another thrilling day of cricket as the West Indies' potent pace attack put Australia's batting lineup under immense pressure. At the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test at Kensington Oval, Australia stood at 92 for four, holding a slender lead of 82 runs.

The West Indies, after being dismissed for 190 in their first innings, trailing by a mere 10 runs, ensured the pressure remained on the tourists. With six wickets in hand, Australia faces a potentially tense third day.

The day was punctuated by controversial decisions from the third umpire, adding another layer of drama to the contest. Ten wickets fell on Thursday, following the 14 that had tumbled on the opening day.

Travis Head and Beau Webster are the not-out batsmen who will resume on Day 3. All four West Indian bowlers managed to pick up a wicket apiece, keeping their team firmly in contention.

Alzarri Joseph struck in the final session, dismissing Usman Khawaja lbw, after going wicketless in the first innings. Shamar Joseph, fresh off his impressive showing on Day 1, watched as Sam Konstas was dropped twice in the same over. However, his persistence paid off when Konstas played a delivery onto his stumps.

Jayden Seales, who had claimed five wickets in the first innings, continued his impressive form by bowling Josh Inglis, dismissing him for the second time in the match.

Australia's experiment with Cameron Green at number three continued to be unsuccessful, as he edged Justin Greaves to first slip for another cheap dismissal.

Earlier, a crucial 67-run partnership between West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope had stabilized the innings after a shaky start that saw them fall to 72 for five. Debutant Brandon King, who contributed 26, was bowled by Josh Hazlewood.

– Controversial Dismissals –

The contentious decisions began shortly after lunch when Roston Chase was given out leg-before to Pat Cummins. Despite replays suggesting the ball may have brushed his bat before hitting his pads, television umpire Adrian Holdstock upheld the decision.

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Holdstock was once again at the center of attention when Shai Hope, on 48, was given out caught down the leg side by a diving Alex Carey, handing Webster his second wicket. Replays suggested the ball may have touched the ground before Carey completed the catch, but the decision stood.

Alzarri Joseph contributed an unbeaten 23, but the West Indies' innings soon came to an end. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with figures of 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 situation, Starc observed that the pitch was offering a competitive edge.

"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."