Marnus Labuschagne’s third straight century and Travis Head’s rapid hundred powered Australia to a well-placed 330 for 3 on the opening day of the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval against the West Indies.
Their so far 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped Australia overcome a wobble in the second session of this second Test, when they lost two quick wickets.
Labuschagne, who scored 204 and 104 not out in the opening Test in Perth, hit 11 boundaries in his unbeaten 120. Head’s breezy 114 was his first hundred at his home ground. Alongside regular skipper Pat Cummins, fellow quick Josh Hazlewood too was ruled out of the Test with a side strain. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith elected to bat against an injury-ravaged Windies. David Warner (21) squandered a fine start by chasing a wide delivery from Alzarri Joseph to be out caught behind.
Usman Khawaja (62) completed 1,000 runs for the calendar year and was looking in great touch before the Windies struck back with two wickets after lunch. But Labuschagne and Head helped regain Australia’s momentum. Brief scores: Australia 330/3 (M. Labuschagne 120 batting; T. Head 114 batting) vs West Indies. At stumps, Day 1.
Written with Reuters inputs
