Twitter Reactions: Australia go 1-0 up as West Indies crumble after end of Kraigg Brathwaite’s resistance on final day

An enthralling fifth day’s play in the Perth Test between Australia and West Indies saw the hosts taking a lead of 1-0 in the two-match Test series. West Indies started the day at 192 for 3 with Kraigg Brathwaite battling single handedly at one end of the crease and it was down to the skipper to rescue his side with a huge task on hands.

Kyle Mayers, who is yet to make a considerable contribution in the longest format since his historic double century, yet again fell prey to Nathan Lyon early in the morning after adding just ten runs. Few overs later, the Australian off-spinner bowled a beauty of a delivery to end the skipper Braithwaite’s hard-fought knock while Jason Holder’s 35-ball stay for three runs did not bear any fruit.  

Wicketkeeper-batter Joshua da Silva looked shaky throughout his innings and Hazlewood managed to dismiss him for 12 runs to help Australia reach closer to victory. At 233 for 7, it looked like the end of the road for the visitors until Alzarri Joseph and Roston Chase kept the hopes alive with a crucial partnership.  

Travis Head ends Chase and Joseph's defiant partnership

Joseph, in particular, tried to take on Lyon on few occasions and his efforts were rewarded with a 72-ball 43 which comprised three sixes and four fours. Chase, on the other end, helped him around with a stubborn display. With Cummins injured, Australia had to turn back to Travis Head more often and he ended the partnership of 82 runs for the eighth wicket for the West Indies.

Chase got to a well-made half-century, however, Lyon won the battle finally to end the hopes for West Indies as they were bundled up for 333 in the final innings in 110.5 overs. The 164-run margin of victory was massive for the host nation and Marnus Labuschagne bagged the Player of the Match award for his double century and a century in the same Test. 

Here’s how the Twitter reacted to Australia’s win