Australia edge ahead on day of close calls in Barbados

Australia carved out an 82-run lead over West Indies on day two of the first test in Barbados on Thursday, with the hosts frustrated by several close umpiring calls that went against them.

Australia, who were 92 for four at stumps in their second innings, continued their top-order struggles for a second consecutive day on a zippy Kensington Oval pitch that offered plenty for the pacers.

West Indies resumed on 57 for four, trailing the tourists by 123 runs after bowling Australia out for 180 in their first innings.

Two contentious umpiring calls helped Australias bowling attack claw back control of the contest, dismissing the hosts for 190.

What began as West Indies day threatened to unravel after lunch, when captain Roston Chase was given out lbw to Pat Cummins for 44, despite his protestations that he had inside-edged the ball onto his pads.

The Ultraedge technology offered no definitive evidence either way, sending an exasperated Chase back to the pavilion after his watchful 108-ball innings.

The morning session belonged decisively to the home side as Chase and white-ball skipper Shai Hope, returning to test cricket after a four-year absence, navigated the Australian attack with increasing assurance in their 67-run sixth-wicket partnership.

Controversy struck again when Hope, cruising towards a half-century on 48, edged Beau Webster into Alex Careys diving gloves.

Replays suggested the ball may have grazed the turf as the wicketkeeper completed a spectacular one-handed catch, but third umpire Adrian Holdstock ruled in Australias favour.

We can only ask the questions, and then it goes to the officials, Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc said. One went against us, a couple against them. Thats what we have technology for.

The twin dismissals proved to be the turning point, halting West Indies momentum when a substantial lead seemed within grasp.

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