Watch: Alex Carey had a lucky escape when a Shamar Joseph delivery clipped the top of his bail, but didn’t fall, during Australia’s dramatic top-order collapse at the Gabba.

West Indies had the hosts on the mat at 24-4 after Kemar Roach blitzed through the Australia top order in the opening session of Day 2 in a sensational three-wicket spell. Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green all fell for single-digit scores, while Travis Head was accounted for by Roach for a golden duck.

Carey at seven put on a brave front, keeping the quicks at bay, but was almost undone when a Joseph delivery, in the 15th over, cut through him. As it zipped past his bat, it brushed the stumps on the way. The bowler and fielders appealed, thinking it was a caught-behind due to the sound, but umpire Nitin Menon remained unmoved.

Closer inspection revealed that the bail resting on the off stump spun in its groove as the ball flew past, but didn’t fall, neither did it light up.

Australia, then on 72-5, pushed past 100, with Khawaja and Carey bringing up a 50-run stand.

The wicket could have been crucial in the context of the game as Australia were still 239 runs behind at that time.

Last week, Khawaja was hit on the face by a Joseph delivery and had to be monitored for concussion during the Adelaide Test. He was later cleared to play.

The bail spun in its groove – but didn't fall! 😱#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/t6XgOibdqr

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 26, 2024