Marnus Labuschagne clocks his second Test double century: Key stats
Marnus Labuschagne clocked his second Test double century during the opener of the two-match series against West Indies. He tackled the Caribbean bowlers with class and brought up his double ton off 348 deliveries. Labuschagne accomplished the milestone on Day 2 of the contest. He fell prey to Kraigg Brathwaite after scoring a 350-ball 204 (4s: 20, 6: 1). Here are his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Australia won the toss and opted to bat in Perth. The home side couldn't get off to a strong start as opener David Warner departed for just five. However, Labuschagne arrived at number three and steadied the ship alongside Usman Khawaja. After Khawaja departed for 65, Labuschagne built another substantial partnership with Steve Smith, who also completed a double century on Day 2.
A look at Labuschagne's Test numbers
Labuschagne, who made his Test debut in 2018, now boasts over 2,743 runs in 29 Tests. He averages 57.15 in the format. The 28-year-old has so far smashed eight tons and 13 half-centuries in the format. At home, Labuschagne has slammed over 1,990 runs in 18 Tests at an average of 68.62. Seven of his eight Test tons have been recorded down under.
Second Test double century for Labuschagne
Meanwhile, Labuschagne's maiden double ton in the format was recorded against New Zealand in January 2020 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He scored 215 off 363 balls in that contest as the Aussies comprehensively recorded a 279-run triumph.
Second-highest run-scorer since his debut
Notably, only England's Joe Root has scored more Test runs (4,225) than Labuschagne since the latter's Test debut in October 2018. Labuschagne's tally of eight Test tons is also only second to Root (14) in this period. Smith is the only other Aussie to score over 2,000 Test runs in this period. Notably, Labuschagne is currently the second-ranked Test batter.
Labuschagne breaks Smith's records
During the course of the contest, Labuschagne smashed Smith's record of most 50-plus scores by an Aussie after 29 Tests. While Labuschagne breached the 50-run mark for the 22nd time, Smith had 20 fifty-plus scores after 29 Tests.
Unique record for Smith and Labuschagne
Labuschagne (204) and Smith (200*) have each scored a double-century in the same Test innings. It's the first time any two players have done so since Ricky Ponting (221) and Michael Clarke (210) against India in January 2012.
Australia declare on 598/4
Australia declared their innings on 598/4. Smith remained unbeaten on 200. He smashed 16 fours in a 311-ball knock. Besides Smith, Labuschagne and Khawaja, Travis Head also played an important knock. The southpaw was unfortunate to be dismissed for a 95-ball 99. WI skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (2/65) was the pick of the Caribbean bowlers. Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers dismissed one batter apiece.
