Travis Head joins the party as Australia pile on the runs

WEST INDIES TOUR OF AUSTRALIA, 2022

Travis Head is 20 short of another Test century. © AFP

Australia hit a higher gear in the post lunch session against West Indies on Day 2 of the opening Test at Perth as they piled on the agony to remain on top. Having already been in pole position after the first four sessions of the Test match, the home side accelerated to score 166 runs off just 180 balls in the session as their approach also signalled the possibility of a declaration in the final session.

Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal for a stunning 204 at the stroke of Lunch did no harm as the West Indies found it even tougher to control the run flow. Travis Head joined the party as he hit back-to-back boundaries in just the second over of the session to signal his intentions. Steve Smith on the other hand played with the field and continued to fetch singles and twos to motor towards 150.

The two batters then went on a boundary-hitting spree that included a 13-run over from Jason Holder. Smith eventually went past 150 but it was Head’s approach that was hurting West Indies a lot in that run-filled session. The left-hander wasted no time to get going and was scoring at run-a-ball.

The two batters entered ‘declaration mode’ right towards the end of that session. From the moment the 500 was brought up, they started firing from all cylinders. 67 runs were scored in the final nine overs as the visitors pretty much threw in the towel. The writing is pretty much on the wall as they now wait for the two batters to bring up their respective landmarks and eventually declare the innings.

Brief scores: Australia 568/3 (Marnus Labuschagne 204, Steve Smith 189*, Travis Head 80*) vs West Indies

© Cricbuzz

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