Australia vs New Zealand: Records scripted by ton-up Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne has perhaps been the best success story in Test cricket this year. Since coming on as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith in Ashes 2019, the talented Aussie cricketer has gone on to gain solidity in the longest format. On Day 1 of the Day-Night Test against New Zealand, Labuschagne scored a brilliant century. Here are the records scripted.
Labuschagne's partnership with Smith steals the show
Labuschagne came in when the score read 40/1 at the Perth Stadium on Day 1. He batted sensibly and managed to battle the heat. His calm approach helped Australia. He added a solid 132-run stand for the third wicket alongside Steve Smith (43). New Zealand bowled their hearts out and pacer Neil Wagner was terrific. Australia are 248/4 at stumps.
Labuschagne scores third successive Test century
After making his debut in Tests last year, Labuschagne (110*) notched his third career century. This was his maiden ton against New Zealand. It was also his third career Test ton in 2019. The right-handed batsman also smashed his second ton in a Day-Night Test. Labuschagne registered his third successive Test ton as well. He had earlier scored 185 and 162 against Pakistan.
Labuschagne gets past 1,000 career Test runs
Labuschagne is the only batsman to score 900-plus runs in Tests this year. He is averaging in excess of 70 in 2019 and has five half-centuries to his name as well. The talented batsman has raced to 116 fours this year (highest). The 25-year-old also surpassed the 1,000-run mark in Tests. He has the joint-best tally of Test centuries in 2019 (3).
Labuschagne joins an elite list of Aussie players
Labuschagne became just the third Australian number three batsman to score centuries in three consecutive Test innings. Charles Macartney in 1926 and Sir Don Bradman in 1937-38 are the other two batsmen in this list. Labuschagne became the ninth Australian batsman to score a century in three straight innings. The last Aussie to do so was Adam Voges in 2015.
