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Snapshot for day one of the first Test

3 minute read

Snapshot for day one of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium.

DAVID WARNER
DAVID WARNER Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND, FIRST TEST, DAY ONE:

Score: Australia 4-248

Summary: The Kiwis were right in the game early after reducing Australia to 2-75. But a third straight Test ton from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith's fighting 43 off 164 balls sapped the energy out of NZ on a day where the mercury reached 39C. A calf injury to debutant paceman Lockie Ferguson was a big blow to NZ's victory hopes.

Man of the moment: Labuschagne. The 25-year-old entered the series in hot form after plundering consecutive centuries against Pakistan. He picked up where he left off against NZ, cracking 14 fours and one six to post an unbeaten 110 off 202 balls. It was his third straight Test century.

Key moment: Dropped catches always hurt, but they hurt a hell of a lot more on a 39C day and when the batsman is Smith. The 30-year-old was on 19 when he edged debutant paceman Ferguson to second slip. Tom Latham lost sight of the ball for a split second, and it meant he could only get his left hand to it before it rebounded away. Although Smith 'only' ended up scoring 43, Australia added 68 runs in between the dropped catch and Smith's eventual dismissal.

Stat of the day: 60. The batting average of Labuschagne after just 12 Tests.

Quote of the day: "Mate, c'mon. You're supposed to be Mr Nice Guy." Australia opener David Warner tells Tim Southee off after the NZ paceman struck Joe Burns while trying to throw down the stumps.

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