1st Test, Australia vs New Zealand, Day 2 preview: Labuschagne the key wicket on important day 2 for New Zealand

1st Test, Australia vs New Zealand, Day 2 preview: Labuschagne the key wicket on important day 2 for New Zealand

Marnus Labuschagne Steven Smith England Australia Ashes 2019

Marnus Labuschagne is doing a very good impression of Steve Smith, even as the man himself struggles, but that suited Australia just fine. On a riveting opening day of the day-night Test in Perth, Australia posted 248/4, thanks largely to Labuschagne, who scored a third straight Test century to keep New Zealand on their toes.

After opting to bat, David Warner and Joe Burns took Australia through the first hour, with the former doing most of the scoring. Colin de Grandhomme gave New Zealand the breakthrough, trapping Burns in front, but with Labuschagne coming to the middle and looking fine from the outset, Australia weren’t too troubled.

Warner and Labuschagne seemed in good nick, but their association lasted just 35 runs before Warner was sent back by Neil Wagner, who took an excellent return catch on his follow through. Australia then had their best patch of the match, with Smith joining Labuschagne in the middle. Though Smith came in with much anticipation, he was lacking in rhythm.

The New Zealand bowlers kept things tight against him, and in a rare sight, he was beaten quite a few times on the day, and was lucky to survive when he was on 20, when Tom Latham spilled a chance at slips after he edged one off Lockie Ferguson.

All the while, Labuschagne charged on, with Smith assuming the role of the container. Labuschagne showed no sign of nerves when he was in his 90s, even bringing up his third consecutive Test century with a mighty six down the ground.

However, with the partnership on 132, New Zealand managed to break through late in the final session. It was Wagner who got the wicket, placing a leg gully and sending one short for Smith – the batsman promptly attempted a pull, and it was a tame dismissal in the end. When Southee then added to the advantage, sending in an inswinger that deceived Matthew Wade, Australia had lost two late wickets.

New Zealand took the second new ball, and probed for their fifth wicket, which would have put them in an altogether better position. There were a few nervy moments for the Australians, with both Travis Head and Labuschagne being beaten. However, they survived, and when stumps were drawn, Australia had edged the day.

However, New Zealand will be hopeful of claiming a few early wickets. That will tilt the game right back in their favour, and given how their bowlers performed for most of the day, they have every reason to be confident. They will be really keen to see off Labuschagne as early as possible though – he is the key wicket for Australian, and once he is seen off, the rest of the batsmen will all be relatively new to the middle.

Key players

Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): The 25-year-old has recently shown a penchant for big scores, and he has a chance here to build his century into something a lot bigger. Australia will be hoping he can do that, because otherwise, with a couple of wickets, New Zealand will be into their tail.

Tim Southee (New Zealand): Southee managed to extract some movement with the new pink ball, especially under lights, and was a visible threat to the Australian batsmen. He will need to capitalise on that and take a few early wickets – if he can do that, New Zealand will get right back in this.

Brief scores

Australia 248/4 (David Warner 43, Marnus Labuschagne 110*; Neil Wagner 2/52) vs New Zealand

Prediction New Zealand to claim a couple of early wickets, but Australia will fight to post something between 350 and 400.