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Labuschagne still hungry after Gabba ton

3 minute read

Marnus Labuschagne has scored his fifth Test century to steer Australia out of early danger in the series-deciding fourth Test against India at the Gabba.

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE of Australia during the Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE of Australia during the Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

He's fresh off another century, the leading run-scorer of the series and poised to jump Virat Kohli into third on the world's Test batting rankings.

But run machine Marnus Labuschagne still isn't satisfied.

The Queenslander's fifth Test ton in his 18th Test was again helped by India's fumbles on day one of the series-deciding fourth Test at the Gabba on Friday.

After first innings scores in the series of 47, 48 and 91 - as well as a second-innings 73 at the SCG - he finally converted in a crucial innings of 108 that again came with the hosts in early danger.

Labuschagne scored his maiden Test hundred in Australia's last visit to the Gabba and his 374 Gabba runs are the most any batsman has mustered in their first three Test innings at the ground.

Currently ranked fourth in the world, the 26-year-old is set to jump ahead of the absent Indian captain, who returned home for the birth of his child after the series opener.

But Labuschagne knows he's let another big hundred slip, his frustration eased by Tim Paine and Cameron Green's bright partnership seeing Australia through to 5-274 at stumps.

"I've been slightly disappointed so far in this series that I haven't been able to get a big score," Labuschagne, who has 401 runs at an average of 57 this series, said.

"It was nice to get to three figures today, but I still have to make sure when I get in, like I did today, that I'm cashing in. Really big."

He had started cautiously, partner Steve Smith the aggressor in a 70-run stand after they combined at the perilous point of 2-17.

Once Smith chipped a catch to mid-wicket Labuschagne moved through the gears, driving well straight down the ground and running hard in a 113-run stand with Matthew Wade.

Both Wade and Labuschagne fell to debutant Thangarasu Natarajan, skying attempted pull shots, to keep the visitors in the contest.

Earlier Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane dropped a simple catch at gully when Labuschagne was on 37 and another tough chance split wicketkeeper and first slip 11 runs later.

Labuschagne has made the most of his good fortune at the highest level. He has been dropped 10 times so far in Test cricket, six of those lives coming in this series alone.

Only England's Ben Stokes has been dropped more since the Australian's debut.

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