AUS vs WI 1st Test: Australia 293 for 2 (Labuschagne 154*, Smith 59*) vs West Indies

On the first day of the first Test, Australia defeated an increasingly ragged West Indies team with a brilliant unbeaten century by Marnus Labuschagne, who survived an early assault on the green-tinged Optus Stadium pitch. Labuschagne was confronted by a pumped-up attack when he came to the crease in the fourth over following the dismissal of opener David Warner on a surface that still had 10 millimeters of grass on it.

However, he was able to take control of the match thanks to century partnerships with Usman Khawaja and an unstoppable Steve Smith. 

As a result, West Indies’ chances of ending a 25-year Test drought in Australia look bleak after the first match of the two-match series. Labuschagne and Khawaja demonstrated the benefits of a lengthy preparation through four Sheffield Shield matches with Queensland this season, while the majority of their teammates have not played red ball cricket. In addition, there have been a slew of limited-overs internationals.It is evident that Labuschagne has enjoyed returning to Optus Stadium, where he scored 143 and 50 against New Zealand three years ago in the final Test match played at the 60,000-seat venue. 

Despite the fact that Khawaja had a sparkling start, he continued his Test resurgence as an opener with an average of 95 for the year. He fell before tea to a cracker of a delivery from seamer Kyle Mayers, which was almost shocking, but Australia quickly regained control in a one-sided final session. As West Indies went through the motions and their quicks were unconvincing with the second new ball, Labuschagne and Smith put their foot down after tea, perhaps sensing their opponents’ waning. After receiving a firm hug from Smith, Labuschagne celebrated his century with fervour by taking off his helmet and raising his bat in the air. 

Although he had some luck before tea when he edged through the slips during a menacing burst from quick Kemar Roach and had two luck moments during a lively over from Jayden Seales when he top edged a short ball and then nicked through the cordon, he was in good form throughout his innings. He took advantage of a West Indies team that was getting tired by hitting a six off Alzarri Joseph and into the sparse grandstands late in the day. Smith continued to perform admirably in the ODI series against England, demonstrating his growing self-assurance with his new technique, which he has recently refined by abandoning shuffling across the crease. Smith was well-balanced at the crease as he consistently drove sweetly through the covers, despite the fact that his signature exaggeration after deliveries was still noticeable. During a poor final session marked by careless bowling and sloppy fielding, West Indies had few options as they floundered. When Labuschagne was 136, he almost hit Seales in the deep point with an uppercut, but debutant Tagenarine Chanderpaul wasn’t quite there. 

West Indies’ hopes of an upset appeared to be raised when Australia captain Pat Cummins gambled and batted first, but it was a disappointing end to the day. They bowled with good length and line, and their aggressive captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, used attacking fields with five slips reminiscent of the WACA’s glory days nearby. Warner took the early wicket for West Indies when he chopped a full and wide delivery from Seales onto the stumps, continuing his poor Test record. However, despite the cooler weather and a faltering attack on a surface that was playing fewer tricks than anticipated, inroads did not materialize as Labuschagne and Khawaja dug in before gaining control in the afternoon. 

After the controversy surrounding ex-coach Justin Langer’s recent inflammatory interview, which overshadowed the first Test of the Australian summer, fans were concerned about a cold reception. However, in what could be a sign of a truce, Langer, a beloved son in Perth, was on the ground prior to play chatting with several Australia players. Fans applauded both teams for kneeling prior to play as a protest against racism throughout the day. 

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There was no sign of hostility among them. However, Perth’s general lack of enthusiasm for the match, which had received little hype in the lead-up, was demonstrated by the 10,929-person attendance. As expected, a full-strength Australia took the field, and the West Indies selected Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the son of legendary batter Shivnarine, to make his Test debut. Before play began, Brian Lara gave him his lost cap.