Omari Gates
On Day 2 of the second Test match between Australia and the West Indies, Australian captain Pat Cummins declared early, while trailing by 22 runs, in a bid to allow Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood a chance to take a wicket under lights. Cummins' declaration was considered bold and selfless, as he put the team's interests ahead of his own, foregoing the chance to score a century. The West Indies ended Day 2 with a 35-run lead, and eventually won the match by 8 runs, ending a 27-year victory drought on Australian soil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the match | 26 January 2024 |
| Match venue | Gabba |
| Match type | Second Test |
| Australia's score when Cummins declared | 9-289 |
| West Indies' score when Cummins declared | 311 |
| Australia's deficit when Cummins declared | 22 runs |
| West Indies' lead when Cummins declared | 35 runs |
| Batsmen dismissed by West Indies | Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head |
| Bowlers | Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph |
| Wicketkeepers | Joshua Da Silva, Alex Carey |
| West Indies' final score | 216 |
| Australia's final score | 208 |
| Player of the match | Shamar Joseph |
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What You'll Learn
Pat Cummins' bold declaration
On Day 2 of the second Test between Australia and the West Indies, Australian captain Pat Cummins made a bold declaration that left the Gabba pink-ball Test evenly poised. With Cummins notching his highest Test score of 64 not out, Australia recovered from a top-order collapse of 4-24 to declare at 9-289, trailing the West Indies' first innings total by 22 runs.
Cummins' declaration was a strategic move aimed at nullifying the advantage of the West Indies' batsmen, who find it easier to play the pink ball during the day than at twilight under artificial lights. By declaring early, Cummins sought to give his bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, a chance to take wickets under lights. This tactic paid off to some extent, with Hazlewood removing West Indies opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul in the final session of Day 2.
Cummins' decision was praised as a selfless and elite move, showcasing his leadership as captain. However, it also carried a risk, as Australia was still behind in the match. Ultimately, the West Indies secured an eight-run victory, powered by Shamar Joseph's seven wickets.
Despite the loss, Cummins' declaration highlighted his quick thinking and adaptability as a captain, demonstrating his willingness to make bold decisions in pursuit of victory. This move added another layer to his impressive performance during the match, reinforcing his impact on the team.
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Cummins' selflessness as captain
Pat Cummins' captaincy during the Australian cricket team's match against the West Indies in 2024 was criticised by some as defensive. However, Cummins was praised for his selflessness as captain during the match. With Australia 9-289, Cummins declared the innings, despite the possibility of stat-padding his hundred. This decision allowed the Australian bowlers to get a couple of wickets before the end of the day. Cummins' unselfish decision to declare 22 runs short of the West Indies allowed his team to benefit heading into day three.
Cummins' captaincy has been described as controversial due to his stance on climate change, his views on which have made him a target of heavy criticism. He has been accused of pressuring Cricket Australia to abandon a sponsorship deal with an energy company due to its carbon footprint, which he has denied. Cummins has also been accused of leading a player revolt against former coach Justin Langer. Despite this, Cummins has led his country in away series against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and South Africa, and has yet to suffer a series defeat as skipper.
Cummins' performance against the West Indies was exemplary. He recorded his highest score for Australia with a match-defining 64 not out. He entered the crease after Alex Carey's dismissal and recorded his highest knock of 64 runs not out. Cummins' big calls have paid off time and time again, such as in the ICC World Test Championship final, where he opted to bowl first against India, benefiting Australia. It is not hard to see why the ICC named Cummins the Test Player of the Year in 2023.
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Cummins' high Test score
Australia declared against the West Indies in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023. Led by captain Pat Cummins, Australia won the match against India, held between 7 and 11 June 2023. Cummins is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers Australia has produced.
Cummins made his Test debut at the age of 18 in 2011, becoming Australia's youngest Test cricketer since Ian Craig in 1953. He took 1/38 and 6/79, becoming the second-youngest Test cricketer to take six wickets in an innings. Cummins scored 13 runs in the second innings, including a four to win the match, and was presented with the Man of the Match award.
After his debut, Cummins suffered a series of injuries that kept him out of international cricket until 2015 and Test cricket until 2017. He made a strong return to Test cricket in March 2017, bowling 79 overs in the final two Test matches. In the 2017-18 Ashes series, Cummins took 23 wickets and scored two scores in the 40s, establishing himself as a valuable lower-order batter. He scored his first Test half-century in the fourth Test against South Africa during Australia's tour in 2017-18.
Cummins continued to excel in Test cricket, becoming the world's number 1 ranked Test bowler in early 2019, the first Australian since Glenn McGrath to achieve this feat. He was awarded the Allan Border Medal in 2019 as the most outstanding Australian cricketer of the previous 12 months. Cummins also played in the 2019 Ashes series, claiming his 100th Test wicket in the first Test, becoming the fastest Australian since World War II to reach this milestone.
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West Indies' 35-run lead
On day two of the second Test, Australia declared early, trailing the West Indies by 22 runs. This decision by Australian captain Pat Cummins was considered bold and unselfish, as he put the team's interests ahead of his own. Cummins' declaration was also strategic, as he wanted to nullify the batting advantage the West Indies would have under artificial lights.
The West Indies finished the day at 13-1, with a 35-run lead. This lead was extended to eight runs, securing a famous Test win at the Gabba. The West Indies' victory ended a 27-year drought of wins on Australian soil.
The Australian top order collapsed, with the West Indies' opening bowlers Kemar Roach (3-47) and Alzarri Joseph (4-84) stunning Australia's top order. However, Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja scored half-centuries for Australia, and Cummins added 64 runs to the tally.
The West Indies' bowlers also performed well, with Shamar Joseph taking seven wickets, including that of Josh Hazlewood, to seal the victory. Joshua Da Silva's excellent catch to dismiss Cummins also contributed to the win.
The West Indies' skipper celebrated the historic win, expressing that it was just the beginning for the team. This victory was made even more remarkable as they had suffered a heavy first Test defeat, and the team's resilience and fighting spirit were highlighted.
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West Indies' victory
The West Indies' victory over Australia in the 2024 test match at the Gabba was a famous one, ending a 27-year victory drought on Australian soil. The tourists' success was largely down to the performance of rookie Shamar Joseph, who took seven wickets in his second Test match, including that of Josh Hazlewood, to seal the game.
The West Indies had set Australia a competitive total, with No.5 batter Kavem Hodge (71) and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva (79) starring on day one. The West Indies were eventually dismissed for 311, with Mitchell Starc the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 4-82.
Australia's response started poorly, with the tourists' opening bowlers Kemar Roach (3-47) and Alzarri Joseph (4-84) stunning the hosts' top order. However, a vital partnership of 65 between Usman Khawaja (75) and Alex Carey (65 off 49) steadied the innings, before captain Pat Cummins highest Test score of 64 not out helped Australia recover to 9-289, just 22 runs behind the West Indies.
Cummins then made the bold decision to declare, sacrificing the chance to add to his own score, to allow his bowlers a crack at the West Indies' openers with a new ball under lights. The West Indies ended day two on 1-13, with a 35-run lead, after Hazlewood removed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul.
Despite this, the West Indies held their nerve, and the bowlers continued to perform, with Alzarri Joseph taking four wickets in the second innings, including that of Cummins. However, it was the performance of Shamar Joseph that will be remembered, as he took six wickets in the first session, including Nathan Lyon and Hazlewood, to leave the West Indies on the brink of victory. Steve Smith played a remarkable innings of 91 not out, but it was not enough, as Shamar Joseph knocked Hazlewood's off stump out of the ground to seal an eight-run victory.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia declared against the West Indies to allow their bowlers a chance to attack the West Indies' openers with a new ball under lights.
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Australia declared at 9-289, trailing the West Indies by 22 runs.
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Pat Cummins was the captain of the Australian team.
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The West Indies beat Australia by eight runs.
