Mitchell Starc believes the pitch at Kensington Oval will continue to challenge batters and is unlikely to flatten out like Lord's did during the recent World Test Championship final, as Australia look to post a defendable target and avoid back-to-back Test losses to West Indies for the first time since 1999. In contrast to the Lord's surface that eased out under sunshine, allowing for a successful run chase by South Africa, Starc expects the variable bounce and unpredictable nature of the Barbados wicket to persist. With Australia holding a lead of 82 and Travis Head and Beau Webster at the crease, Starc emphasized the importance of lower-order contributions and sharp bowling to defend what could still be a modest total. Meanwhile, West Indies coach Daren Sammy—still reeling from contentious umpiring calls and his side’s sloppy catching—joked that chasing 82 would be ideal but stressed the need for improved fielding standards, particularly in the slips. West Indies have dropped six catches so far, five off the bowling of the ever-threatening Shamar Joseph, whose pace and accuracy have rattled Australia’s top order and dismissed Sam Konstas twice cheaply. Sammy praised the bowlers’ execution and warned that fielding lapses could undermine their progress if not addressed. With the match finely poised, both teams know that even a modest lead could prove decisive on a surface offering bowlers constant opportunity.