Marnus Labuschagne completes 4,000 WTC runs with 72 vs India
Australia's top-order batters dominated the opening day of the fourth Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Each of their top-four batters breached the 50-run mark, including Marnus Labuschagne. The batter made 72 runs and also went past 4,000 ICC World Test Championship runs during his stay. Labuschagne became the second batter after England's Joe Root to accomplish this feat.
A fine hand from Labuschagne
Debutant Sam Konstas made a big impact with his 60-run knock as Labuschagne arrived with the scorecard reading 89/1. He added 65 runs with Usman Khawaja (57) before being involved in an 83-run stand with Steve Smith. Labuschagne looked in a bit of trouble early on but eventually settled his feet. His brilliance meant the Aussies crossed the 200-run mark with eight wickets in hand.
Sundar's strategy and Kohli's execution
Labuschagne's dismissal came off Washington Sundar's slower delivery outside off, which prompted Labuschagne to go for a shot over mid-off. However, his plan was foiled by Virat Kohli's perfectly timed jump and catch. This was Sundar's first wicket of the match and third in the series. The dismissal also ended Labuschagne's second half-century in this five-match series after his 64-run performance in Adelaide.
Second fifty of the series for Labuschagne
Labuschagne smoked seven fours en route to his 145-ball 72. This was his second fifty of the series as he has raced to 154 runs in BGT 2024-25 at 25.67. With his latest knock, Labuschagne has raced to 4,268 runs from 54 Tests at 47.95, as per ESPNcricinfo. He now owns 11 tons and 14 fifties. Versus India, Labuschagne has amassed 929 runs at 40.39 (100: 1, 50s: 5).
4,000 WTC runs for Labuschagne
As mentioned, Labuschagne became the second batter after Root (5,543) to score 4000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship history. The Aussie batter reached the landmark by crossing the 14-run mark. He has now raced to 4,058 runs from 49 games at 50.09. His tally includes 11 tons and 21 fifties. Only Root (18) has struck more hundreds in WTC history.
Bumrah pushes Australia on back foot
India's bowling attack maintained the pressure as Jasprit Bumrah sent Travis Head back for 0 in the 67th over. He also dismissed Mitchell Marsh (4) cheaply as the hosts went from 237/2 to 246/5. Bumrah has been India's best bowler so far, taking three wickets. Meanwhile, the ongoing Boxing Day Test is a vital affair with the series being tied at 1-1 after three games.
