After all of the short-form mayhem, the gentle rhythms of Test cricket returned. It also returned to Perth after a pandemic-enforced absence since 2019. Australia’s players took a knee in a gesture against racism for the first time in a Test match, in solidarity with the West Indies team. Then the work as opponents began after Australia won the toss and chose to bat, coming through some serious toil against good bowling to reach 293 for 2 at stumps, with Steve Smith on 59 and Marnus Labuschagne notching his eighth Test century before carrying on to 154.
The day also began with eyes on Justin Langer, after the former coach’s week of criticising his former players before trying to backtrack. “Perception and reality. Perception often sells newspapers,” said Langer, who days earlier had a full-length photo portrait published with his column on the back of the West Australian. On the field before play in his new job as a television commentator, it was all smiles and hugs with the players, who have as much reason as the coach to show grace. The bonhomie was helpfully edited into a short video package by Langer’s employer.
