Australia v West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Review: Aussies make merry in a run feast

Steve Smith won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first on a firm pitch at the Bellerive Oval which had a tinge of green on it. James Pattinson who got a game was Australia’s only change from the day-night Test. The West Indians had lost the toss but wanted to bowl first in any case however their fast bowlers served up half-volleys and found little movement hence allowing David Warner and Joe Burns to bat freely.

Much was expected from Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel, however, they conceded runs by bowling wayward lines. The 1st wicket partnership of 75 was scored at 6.81 runs per over before Gabriel produced a delivery clocked at 147.9 kmph that nipped in and shatters Burns’ stumps. The right-hander made 33 off 43 courtesy 7 boundaries.

Warrican, chosen for his second Test ahead of the more established leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, claimed his first wicket when he slowed his pace and turned one enough to catch the edge of Smith’s bat; he was well taken at slip by Jermaine Blackwood for 10. But Warner remained at the crease and raced to a 40-ball fifty that featured 10 boundaries. Warrican struck another blow before lunch by removing Warner who was caught by Denesh Ramdin down the leg side. The dashing left-hander made 64 off 61 including 11 fours. His wicket, at the score of 121 for the home side, was the last moment of joy on day 1 for the visitors.

Adam Voges looked in superb touch and put away anything that was too full from the faster men. At the other end, Shaun Marsh was happy to play second fiddle, however, played it solidly. At tea, the Australians had moved on to 3 for 257 and it was an especially disappointing session for West Indies after they had fought back strongly in the lead-up to lunch. Voges and Shaun Marsh batted through the second session not only without losing a wicket but scoring at 5.23 an over as the West Indies bowlers struggled.

Voges, who had brought up his fifty off just 55 balls kept playing aggressively and hammered the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Marsh started cautiously before striking a few boundaries to get going. Voges reached his hundred off just 101 balls in the last over before tea. The final session saw yet another Australian domination as runs kept flowing off the blades of their two batters.

Marsh reached his 50 in the 55th over of the innings and carried on batting smoothly. He reached his century with an elegant pull and raised his arms in celebration. Voges continued his intent and kept scoring at a brisk pace. The unbeaten partnership of 317 between these two took the score to 438/3 at stumps and made it a memorable day for the home side. The West Indies will need a big effort to get back in this game.

Brief Scores:

Australia 1st innings– 438/3 in 89 overs (A Voges 174*; J Warrican 2/111)