Adam Voges Has Day to Remember in Australia Debut Against West Indies

When Adam Voges came to the crease for Australia in his first Test for the Baggy Greens against the West Indies, his side were struggling enormously.

They were 61 for three, and they quickly found themselves 178 for eight, as Voges was powerless to prevent a batting collapse around him.

However, by the time Australia’s last two wickets fell, he was unbeaten on 130 and had led his side to a lead of 170 after they had been in dire straits.

It was an innings of contrast, as Voges began his innings cautiously and looked to rotate the strike.

As he grew in confidence, he started to hit more boundaries and brought up his century from 187 balls, a superb effort as the majority of his team-mates struggled.

He received superb support from the tail, too, as Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood all hung around and contributed vital runs as Voges continued on his way.

In the end, it was a memorable day for the 35-year-old, as he became the oldest player in Test history to make a century on debut.

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It all could have been so different too, as Voges was left with No. 11 Hazlewood with his own score on 77.

He had waited for many years to make his debut in the game’s longest form, too, having already impressed at times in limited opportunities in the shorter forms.

The wait saw him disappointed on repeated occasions as he found himself usurped in the pecking order by other batsmen.

However, in refining his game and being forced to prove himself again and again in domestic cricket, Voges was more than capable of stepping up for his country in this game.

On a pitch offering extravagant turn for Devendra Bishoo, Voges knew patience was required above all else.

Steven Smith and Shane Watson were both guilty of not exhibiting the requisite patience, and he both learned well from their mistakes and used his experience.

Even with the tail, and knowing that his time might be running out at the crease, Voges refused to panic and ensured that the scoreboard kept moving.

After the day’s play, Voges’ calm at the crease in spite of the issues around him was reflected in his remarks to the media, per ESPN Cricinfo:

"

Until I got into the 90s, a hundred hadn't crossed my mind. The old ball was tough to score against. We always felt that if they took the second new ball, that was going to be our best scoring option so when that came it always felt like that would be our best chance to attack. Fortunately that's how it worked out.

"

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His knock of 130 showed a great deal of application and determination, and it was indicative of an experienced and adaptable player who has learned a great deal already.

Australia were lucky to have Voges, and he could well have turned the match in their favour.