AUS vs WI: Players gather for barefoot circle moment in Perth to tackle anti-racism

Australia are hosting West Indies for a two-match Test series and the first Test has got underway at the Perth Stadium. Ahead of the start of the first Test, players from both teams arrived at the ground for a barefoot circle moment.

Cricket West Indies had already confirmed that they will be taking part in the proud moment which has been followed as a gesture of anti-racism, commitment to reconciliation, and strength together. 

On Twitter, Cricket West Indies posted images of the players taking part in the moment and they were spotted sitting in a circle to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, connect to each other as opponents and pay respect to the country. Humanity and respect for countries are the reason behind the moment taking place barefoot.  

‘Both teams take part in a barefoot circle with an Elder of the Descendants of the First Nations Australians before the start of play in the 1st Test in Perth,’ Windies cricket captioned the tweet.  

Both teams take part in a barefoot circle with an Elder of the Descendants of the First Nations Australians before the start of play in the 1st Test in Perth. #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/1YDbZge6uV

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 30, 2022

Australia bat first after winning the toss 

Meanwhile, skipper Pat Cummins decided to bat first after winning the toss in the first Test and the playing XI was pretty much predictable with the big names being available for the Australian side. On the other hand, the West Indies handed Test debut to the impressive Tagenarine Chanderpaul.  

Jayden Seales managed to clean up David Warner in just the fourth over of the innings, however, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have struck a useful partnership since the fall of the first wicket. Australia went into lunch at the end of first session on Day 1 at 72 for 1 in 29 overs.