Marnus’s third straight ton guides Aus
Emerging Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne yesterday posted his third successive Test century to frustrate a resilient New Zealand attack on the opening day of the first Test in Perth.
After Australia won a potentially pivotal toss in scorching heat and elected to bat in the first ever day-night Test in Perth, the home team were 248 for four at stumps after facing some challenging bowling from the disciplined Kiwis.
Having toiled without much success in 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) heat, the Kiwis fought back late in the day by removing Steve Smith (43) and Matthew Wade (12).
However, Labuschagne was the rock of the Australian innings and was unbeaten on 110, with Travis Head on 20.
Batting was hard work for most of the Australian top order in the high temperatures, but Labuschagne further added to his rapidly growing status with a chanceless century.
SCORES IN BRIEF
AUSTRALIA: First innings 248 for 4 (Warner 43, Labuschagne 110 not out, Smith 43, Head 20 not out; Wagner 2-52)
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