Starc’s Warning: Aussie Quick Predicts More Bowling Carnage on “Jumping” Barbados Pitch
Mitchell Starc has issued an ominous warning to batsmen from both sides, predicting the Kensington Oval pitch will continue to wreak havoc on day three of this thrilling Test match. With Australia holding a slender 82-run lead and six wickets in hand, the veteran paceman believes the surface’s unpredictable bounce will keep fast bowlers in the game.
The left-arm quick dismissed comparisons to the recent Lord’s Test, where batting became easier as the match progressed. “This one, we’ve seen these two days, there’s so much variable bounce there,” Starc explained. “We saw yesterday on day one the ball shoot low and then the next over it jumped up and created a wicket. I think that’ll probably be the same tomorrow.”
A Surface Full of Surprises
The numbers tell the story of this bowler-dominated contest. After 14 wickets tumbled on the opening day, another 10 fell on day two, with seamers claiming 23 of the 24 dismissals. Australia were skittled for just 180 in their first innings – their lowest total batting first in the Caribbean. West Indies responded with 190, setting up a tense finale.
The pitch has offered everything a fast bowler could dream of – seam movement, variable bounce, and plenty of assistance throughout. Some deliveries have shot through low while others have reared up alarmingly, making batting a lottery. Even the most accomplished batsmen have struggled to feel settled at the crease.
Travis Head and Beau Webster will resume on day three looking to extend Australia’s lead, but Starc knows every run will be precious. “There’s enough chances being created as we’ve seen for the last two days, that you’re never quite in and you never know what total is going to be enough,” he noted.
Windies Coach Remains Optimistic
Despite the challenging conditions, West Indies coach Daren Sammy maintains his characteristic humour. When asked about a chaseable target, he quipped: “I would love to chase 82. Somebody get a double-hat-trick or something.” His frustration with dropped catches – six in the match so far – was evident, but he praised his bowlers’ efforts.
Shamar Joseph has been the standout performer, consistently hitting speeds over 140kph and troubling the Australian batsmen. He’s already dismissed Sam Konstas twice in the match, justifying his pre-match confidence about having plans for the young opener. Jayden Seales grabbed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, though he copped a fine for his send-off to Pat Cummins.
With both teams knowing that one good spell could decide the match, day three promises more compelling viewing. The surface shows no signs of easing up, and with quality fast bowlers on both sides, batsmen will need all their skill and a bit of luck to survive. As Starc concluded, the “up and down” nature of this pitch means the game remains delicately poised, with neither side able to feel comfortable about their position.
