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Australia have defeated West Indies in the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Chasing a target of 498 runs, the visitors could only manage to reach 333 before getting all out in the second innings.
Nathan Lyon was the chief destroyer as he picked up six wickets for 128, including the crucial dismissal of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, whose masterclass ended on 110. Apart from Lyon, Travis Head bagged a couple of scalps in the second innings.
Marnus Labuschagne was adjudged Player of the Match for a breathtaking batting display throughout the game. He scored a double century in the first innings and followed it with another hundred in the second essay.
“The ground is similar to the one in Brisbane, playing on bouncy wickets helps. It was nice to play on a very nice wicket. Coming in early, the ball was nipping around, so the first innings knock (double ton) is my favourite. (On his battle against Alzarri Joseph in the second innings) It was a really nice battle. He was bowling nice and fast and it definitely got the beans flowing. It’s nice to be able to compose myself after that no ball wicket and keep going. Probably have a lot to give to our batting coach. He has had some long throws. All of us, Davey, Steve, Green, me – we have been hitting a lot of balls (in the nets),” said Labuschagne after the match.
The action will now move to Adelaide, where both sides will take on each other in a Day/Night Test starting December 08.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Her efforts were well received by all teammates @davidwarner31 @Uz_Khawaja @stevesmith49 pic.twitter.com/C2Fugh4yVh
— Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3cricket) December 4, 2022
The #MenInMaroon go down in the 1st test after taking the game into the 5th day #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/FRBojO8FY8
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 4, 2022
Another important win for Australia locked in! 🌏 #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/sQU1ywxMKc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2022
Khemraj Chanderpaul, who is Shivnarine’s father, has groomed, trained with and produced two international cricketers in his son Shiv and his grandson Brandon Chanderpaul. Is there a coaching method we in the caribbean need to be asking him about?
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 4, 2022
Who’d have ever thought Pat Cummins would spend an entire session of play on Australian soil as a non-bowling captain #AusvWI pic.twitter.com/YztgXhDT01
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 4, 2022
Nathan Lyon is such a bank for Australia in the 4th innings. Looks after one end, makes the captain's job so much easier
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 4, 2022
Australia win 🎉
Nathan Lyon sends West Indies packing with a match-winning six-for 🔥
Watch the #AUSvWI series live on https://t.co/CPDKNxpgZ3 (in select regions) 📺#WTC23 | Scorecard: https://t.co/YyderoqpP2 pic.twitter.com/3Il9j6hBNL
— ICC (@ICC) December 4, 2022
More than 12 months after accepting the role, Pat Cummins is yet to lose a series as Australian captain.
Home Tests vs ENG, 4-0
Away Tests vs PAK, 1-0
Away Tests vs SL, 1-1
Home ODIs vs ENG, 3-0
Home Tests vs WI, 1-0*#AUSvWI— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 4, 2022
Most catches by a fielder (non WK)/bowler combination in Tests for AUS
51 – STEVE SMITH & NATHAN LYON
51 – Mark Taylor & Shane Warne— Swamp (@sirswampthing) December 4, 2022
Nathan Lyon playing in his 111th Test match, has 444 Test wickets!
He has bowled 33 overs to claim 4 wickets at lunch at Perth!#AusvWI #WIvAus#AusvWI #WIvAus— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 4, 2022
Nathan Lyon finishes with 6-128 and Australia win by 164 runs
Good effort from WI, better luck in the next Test#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/9aZKqwrNV9
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 4, 2022