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AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Concussion opens door for Windies batter

Windies batsman Nkrumah Bonner was hit on the helmet by a Cameron Green delivery. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

West Indies batsman Shamarh Brooks hopes he can pull a Marnus Labuschagne by cementing a Test berth following an unexpected concussion call-up.

Brooks was called into action during the first Test against Australia in Perth on Friday after Nkrumah Bonner was ruled out with concussion.

Bonner was struck on the side of the helmet while trying to evade a 139.5km/h delivery from Cameron Green during the morning session on day three at Optus Stadium.

The 33-year-old received on-field treatment for five minutes and batted on for another half an hour before retiring hurt on 16.

The West Indies were initially hopeful he would be able to return, but they later ruled him out and replaced him with Brooks as a concussion substitute.

Brooks went on to make 33 before edging Green behind, with the West Indies all out for 283 in reply to Australia's 4-598 declared.

Labuschagne famously made his Ashes debut in 2019 as a concussion sub for Steve Smith.

The match proved to be the turning point of Labuschagne's career, with the 28-year-old using the chance to lock in a long-term berth.

Brooks, a 34-year-old who is playing just his 12th Test, hopes he can grasp his own chance with both hands.

"Yeah definitely," Brooks said.

"As we all know there's still a second innings to be played.

"It's just about going out there, give a good account, try my best and make good decisions."

Brooks revealed he hadn't even had a chance to practice for two days before being thrust into the middle against the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

"My last hit would have been on the first day of the game," he said.

"Between yesterday and today I didn't have a hit. I was just servicing the players and making sure they were ready to do the job.

"It was a good start for me in terms of facing these guys, it's my first time playing cricket in Australia. I enjoyed the challenge out there today."

It's been a painful Test for the West Indies batters, with the Australian pace attack peppering their opponents on numerous occasions.

Debutant opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul copped a painful blow to the testicles from a seaming Josh Hazlewood delivery on Thursday.

Chanderpaul was also struck several times on the body during his knock of 51.

Jermaine Blackwood was struck several times on the gloves while trying to evade rising deliveries, while captain Kraigg Brathwaite (64) also copped some punishment.

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