Australia in control after Warner goes cheaply
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have given Australia the early control of the first Test against West Indies, going to lunch at 1-72 on day one in Perth.
Australian opener David Warner is bowled by Jayden Seales of the West Indies. Photo: AAP/Richard Wainwright
After David Warner was bowled for five early, the Queensland pair steadied the ship in hot conditions that will only become tougher to bowl in.
The tourists have toiled well for the most part, with Alzarri Joseph in particular rushing the Australian batsmen with short balls.
Marnus Labuschagne (26no) survived two lbw appeals early in his innings, and was struck on the hand by a Joseph bouncer.
But he flourished later in the session, pulling nicely and jumping down the wicket to drive offspinner Roston Chase for four.
Khawaja has looked more comfortable throughout for his unbeaten 36.
He provided the shot of the morning, driving Kemar Roach down the ground for his first boundary and later hitting Chase over long off for six.
Warner, meanwhile, will be disappointed with his start to the Frank Worrell Trophy.
After pulling Jayden Seales for four, he dragged the next ball back onto his stumps off the seamer when trying to drive a half-volley away through cover.
The Perth Test marks the first of nine for Australia in the space of three months at home and in India, as they push for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Australia have stuck with their usual home line-up for the match, while West Indies debuted the son of former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine.
– AAP
