Hazlewood, Head Put Australia In Command Against West Indies

An inspired spell of bowling from Josh Hazlewood and a brilliant attacking century from Travis Head put Australia in complete control of the first Test against the West Indies in Adelaide on Thursday.

Australia vs West Indies First Test Day Two Report (Image Source: Google)

'Tears to my eyes' -

The Australians were expected to dominate a below-strength West Indies, who have three players on debut in this match.

But led by exciting newcomer Shamar Joseph, the visitors took regular wickets throughout the first two sessions to initially keep the Australians on the back foot.

Joseph, playing only his sixth first class match, ended with 5-94 in a magnificent Test debut.

"It's an amazing feeling," Joseph said. "It brings tears to my eyes knowing that I'm on this big stage and taking a five-wicket haul in Australia means a lot to me.

"It's amazing. I'm just sticking to the basics and enjoying it."

Australia had reshuffled their batting order on the retirement of David Warner, moving Steve Smith to opener so they could bring Green back into the side.

The first part of that experiment failed when Smith fell for 12 on Wednesday, so the Australians would have been hoping for big runs from the towering Green.

But he was gone for 14 in just the second over on Thursday morning, caught by wicketkeeper Da Silva off Shamar Joseph to leave the Australians 67-3.

All the batsmen struggled with the slow pace and variable bounce of the wicket but Head rode his luck, his typically counter-attacking century included 12 fours and three sixes and proved the difference between the two sides.