Australia v West Indies 1st Test, Day 2 Review: Brilliant Lyon puts the home side in pole position

Australia v West Indies 1st Test, Day 2 Review: Brilliant Lyon puts the home side in pole position: A magnificent 269* by Adam Voges took Australia to 583/4 before they decided to declare. The only wicket to fall for the home side today was that of Shaun Marsh, who made a brilliant 182 before trying to hit Jomel Warrican over deep midwicket and getting caught in the process. The 449-run partnership compiled by Voges and Marsh, the highest for the fourth wicket by any pair in Test cricket, indicated that there were plenty of runs for the taking on this pitch.

Josh Hazlewood broke the West Indian opening stand early by removing Kraigg Brathwaite for 2. The lbw decision was reviewed by the batsman however DRS proved it to be the umpires call with the ball projected to hit the top of the stumps. From 17/1 the Windies slumped to 89/5 courtesy a brilliant spell of off-spin bowling from Nathan Lyon. He mesmerised the middle order in an outstanding spell taking 3 for 19 in the post lunch session.

Rajendra Chandrika, who had struggled against the spin, was the first of Lyon’s wickets. He was caught on 25 by a juggling Steven Smith at first slip after driving against the spin. Lyon then threw himself into the air to his left and completed a brilliant return catch to end Marlon Samuels knock of 9. A tossed up delivery on a good length outside off that spun into Jermaine Blackwood accounted for his wicket. He went without scoring trying to defend the ball with hard hands that gave a simple catch to Joe Burns at short leg.

Hazlewood soon cleaned up Denes Ramdin who played back to a ball he should have been forward to. Though, the ball kept a bit low, the angled bat of Ramdin and poor technique didn’t help his cause. He went for 8 even as Darren Bravo continued to defy the bowling. Jason Holder was looking good on 15 however a poor judgment from him and his partner cost him dearly.

Siddle bowled one short of the length and the tall Holder was struck quite high on the pads by a ball which came in with the angle. The West Indian skipper was given out, however, should have reviewed it straightaway as the ball had hit him high on the pads and with his height, it clearly seemed to be going on top of the stumps. Holder checked with Bravo who seemed to suggest that the ball was straight enough to hit the stumps hence both decided against using a review. It proved a huge mistake and the DRS confirmed that the ball was comfortably missing the stumps. There was a rain interruption immediately after this and the players walked off.

The final session continued to be a stop-start affair keeping the groundsmen on their toes. The only positive for the visitors was Bravo who looked unfazed and kept striking some delightful blows. His Laraesque cover and square drives were a delight to watch. He hit 8 elegant fours before reaching his half-century and another 9 as he ended the day unbeaten on 94 in the company of Kemar Roach.

The fast bowler is known for his stubborn defence and he proved his temperament yet again with a solid 31 off 89 balls. Australia had one opportunity to break this partnership when Bravo, batting on 74, edged Hazlewood for a four with the ball flying between first and second slip. Other than that he looked assured and also left the balls well. The pitch has no demons in it hence, Lyon’s skills and Hazelwood’s persistence helped by some ordinary batting that put the Windies in a difficult position on day 2.

Brief Scores:

Australia 1st innings– 583/4d in 114 overs (A Voges 269*; J Warrican 3/158)

West Indies 1st innings– 203/6 in 65 overs (D Bravo 94*; N Lyon 3/43)

West Indies trail by 376 runs.