Smith, Labuschagne hit double centuries as Australia dominate West Indies

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struck masterful double centuries on Thursday to put Australia in firm control against an outclassed West Indies, who face an uphill task to save the first Test at Perth Stadium.

SCORECARD | Australia v West Indies - 1st Test

The hosts declared at an ominous 598-4 soon after tea on day two, allowing Smith, who matched legendary countryman Donald Bradman with a 29th Test ton, to complete the 200-run milestone for the fourth time.

Labuschagne made 204 with Smith not out 200. Travis Head chipped in with a run-a-ball 99 to put a massive dent in any hope the West Indies had of winning their first Test in Australia in 25 years.

The visitors needed to negotiate 25 overs before stumps and it was a fiery affair, with openers Kraigg Brathwaite and debutant Tagenarine Chanderpaul - son of West Indies great Shivnarine - taking nasty blows to the groin and body.

But they defiantly clung on to get to the close on 74-0, 524 runs adrift. An impressive Chanderpaul was 47 with Brathwaite on 18.

"Any time your name's mentioned alongside The Don it's pretty special and flattering," said Smith on matching Bradman's feat. "Nice to get a big one today and set us and put us in a good position."

Pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood said it was "just another day at the office" for Labuschagne and Smith.

"They love batting and they love batting together. Any time they get out to the middle and score some runs ... their hunger is second to none."

Australia dominate

Labuschagne and Head were the only wickets to fall on a demoralising day for the West Indies bowlers, who were lacklustre and created few clear-cut chances.

"It was tough, I thought Australia batted really well," said skipper Brathwaite, who added that he was pleased