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Day/night Test: Labuschagne's ton rescues Australia on Day-1 against New Zealand

WION Web Team
PerthUpdated: Dec 12, 2019, 07:40 PM IST
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Photograph:(AFP)

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Labuschagne walked in to join Warner and the two carried on from their two massive century stands against Pakistan.

Marnus Labuschagne's third hundred in three innings handed Australia the initiative on Day-1 of the day and night Test against trans-tasman rivals New Zealand in Perth on Thursday.

Tim Paine won the toss and opted to bat and David Warner and Joe Burns had a steady opening stand of 40 before burns fell for 9 to Colin de Grandhomme.

Labuschagne walked in to join Warner and the two carried on from their two massive century stands against Pakistan.

Warner fell just before lunch to a sensational return catch from Neil wagner for 43. Steve Smith was content to let Labuschagne take centerstage and he didn't disappoint with some breathtaking shots.

Smith was handed a reprieve in the slips when on 20 as Australia went into tea at 160 for 2.

Labuschagne danced down the track to deposit Mitchell Santner into the stands to bring up his century off 166 balls.

Smith fell just after to Wagner for 43, sucked into a short ball trap set by the Kiwis.

The second new ball then accounted for new man Matthew Wade as Tim Southee bowled an almost unplayable delivery but Labushagne and Travis Head were able to see-off the remaining overs and take the hosts to stumps well placed at 248 for 8.