3 minute read
Snapshot of day one of the third cricket Test between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG.
AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND, THIRD TEST, DAY ONE:
Score: Australia 3-283
Summary: The Test started in chaotic fashion as New Zealand made five changes, headlined by the enforced omission of sick skipper Kane Williamson. Both openers departed as Australia reached 2-95 but Marnus Labuschagne's fourth Test ton of the summer ensured his side took control.
Man of the moment: Labuschagne. The right-hander extended his remarkable run as the nation's form batsman, finishing 130 not out after sharing a 156-run partnership with mentor Steve Smith.
Key moment: The introduction of the second new ball late in the day helped NZ claim a moral victory by denying Smith a century. The former skipper, out edging for 63 to Colin de Grandhomme, fumed at himself while trudging off.
Stat of the day: Labuschagne has helped himself to 752 runs this summer. The only Australians to have scored more runs in a home summer of five or fewer Tests are Smith (769), Sir Donald Bradman (806 & 810) and Neil Harvey (834).
Quote of the day: "It's such a lovely Test and it's amazing to be a part of it, to get a hundred is really special." Labuschagne was thrilled to register his first SCG Test ton.
