He may have won the toss, but that was about the only call West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin got right on Thursday.

The Windies skipper made a litany of baffling tactical calls during the first day of the second Test against Australia in Jamaica to hand the tourists the initiative.

Ramdin was bold in opting to send Australia in on a Sabina Park wicket which looked like it would be difficult for top order batsmen early.

That decision was justified with quick Jerome Taylor dismissing openers David Warner and Shaun Marsh in a five-over opening spell where he bowled five maidens in a row.

Then Taylor was pulled from the attack, not to return until the penultimate over before lunch.

In his place Ramdin persisted with left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who found no assistance from the pitch and allowed the Australians back into the contest.

Then as Taylor cooled his heels for most of the remainder of the day – bowling just nine more overs in the final two sessions – part-timer Kraigg Brathwaite sent down 19 overs while Australia gained all the momentum.

Throw in two poor reviews, little hesitation to set defensive fields and a reluctance to take the second new ball and it all added up to a day of seemingly missed opportunities for Ramdin’s men.

Despite having the most reason to be aggrieved, Taylor threw his support behind the wicketkeeper-batsman.

“I’m only one person,” Taylor said when asked about his lack of overs.

“It is a bowling unit and each of us have to get a fair chance out there.

“It is a case where each and every one has to chip in. And I think the effort was good at the end of the day.”