AUS vs WI, 1st Test: Bowlers' brilliance puts Australia in command

Pat Cummins completed 200 Test wickets [Source: Twitter]

A fabulous performance from the bowlers has put Australia in a commanding position in the first Test against West Indies in Perth. 

West Indies began the day on a poor note, as Tagenarine Chanderpaul was removed by Josh Hazlewood after adding four runs to his overnight score of 47. However, skipper Kraigg Brathwaite steadied the ship, getting ample support from Nkrumah Bonner. 

After Bonner was retired hurt for 16*, Jermaine Blackwood held the fort alongside the skipper to add crucial 53 runs for the second wicket. However, Brathwaite's dismissal instantly brought Australia back into the game, as the hosts removed Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder for 1 and 27, respectively. 

After Blackwood fell prey to Mitchell Starc for a 108-ball 36, five more visiting batters bit the dust for only 38 runs. 

While keeper-batter Joshua da Silva managed a single run, Roston Chase was trapped plumb in front for 13 by Pat Cummins. Although Shamarh Brooks batted decently for his 58-ball 33, his departure was the final nail in West Indies' coffin, as the visitors were finally bundled out for 283 runs in 98.2 overs. 

In reply, Australia suffered an early setback, as Kemar Roach dismissed Usman Khawaja for a 13-ball 6. However, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne prevented further hiccups, sensibly taking Australia to 29 for one at stumps on Day 3. 

Brief Scores

Australia 1st inns: 598/4 d (152.4)
Marnus Labuschagne 204(350), Steven Smith 200* (311);
Kraigg Brathwaite 2/65(12.4), Kyle Mayers 1/39(15)

West Indies 1st inns: 283 (98.2)
Kraigg Brathwaite 64 (166), Tagenarine Chanderpaul 51 (79);
Pat Cummins 3/34 (20.2), Mitchell Starc 3/51 (22)

Australia 2nd inns: 29/1 (11)
David Warner 17* (26), Marnus Labuschagne 3* (27);
Kemar Roach 1/16 (4)

Australia lead by 344 runs. 

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