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Aus vs Zim: Day 1

Friday, October 10 2003

Despite showing early promise with the ball, Matthew Hayden and Steve Waugh controlled the Zimbabwean attack in the session between tea and stumps to leave Australia in a strong position at stumps on Day 1 at the WACA.

Zimbabwean captain Heath Streak, the side's top bowler, won the toss and elected to field in what experts such as Mark Taylor have called a negative move.

Streak's gamble had little positive effect, with the Australians losing opener Justin Langer in unfortunate circumstances.

Langer played on to impressive seamer Sean Ervine, attempting a defensive shot that then ricochet onto his stumps. He made 26.

Soon after lunch, vice-captain Ricky Ponting was dismissed for 37 when he was trapped LBW to Ervine in what can only be called a fairly straightforward decision for umpire Peter Willey.

Damien Martyn joined Hayden at the crease returning to the Test Arena for the first time since January following his finger injury.

He looked in excellent form for the Australians, making a polished 53 before being caught by Craig Wishart at first slip, handing opening bat Trevor Gripper a rare wicket with his off-break darts.

Despite the earlier Zimbabwean accuracy, Matthew Hayden and Steve Waugh took control of the match in the session after tea.

Despite some nervous times, Hayden brought up his first Test hundred in Perth with a sweep shot. Earlier on 96, he skied left arm spinner Raymond Price just out of reach of the fielders, virtually ensuring a lucky hundred.

Waugh meanwhile played with a characteristics mix of grit and aggression, punishing especially through the offside, to support Hayden in their unbeaten 173 runs stand.

The Zimbabweans finished a largely promising day on a sour note, with pace spearhead and captain Streak dismissed for 82 from his 18 disappointing overs.

In support, Ervine's 2/56 was clearly the most impressive display of a Zimbabwean attack that generally possessed few, if any, demons against the Australian side.

Hayden finished the day within sight of a second Test double century on 183, while Waugh looks a likely bet to add another hundred to his imposing tally on 61.

Latest Scores: Stumps Day 1

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.

Australia 3/372 (M Hayden 183*, S Waugh 61*, D Martyn 53, S Ervine 2/56)

Posted by Andre