Australia v West Indies 2022

Marnus Labuschagne breaks huge Test record, stays only behind Sir Donald Bradman

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne continued his stellar form with the bat, slamming his third consecutive century in the team’s two-match Test series against West Indies. Labuschagne completed his 10th century in Test cricket on Thursday, December 8. The right-handed batter crossed the 100-run mark on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.

Talking about the second Test match of the series, Australian captain Steven Smith opted to bat first after winning the toss. Opener Usman Khawaja slammed an impressive half-century and was dismissed for 62. Apart from Labuschagne’s 163, Travis Head also dominated the West Indies bowlers and played a brilliant knock of 175 runs.

Labuschagne has performed admirably with the bat for Australia this year in the longer format. The 28-year-old currently holds the top spot in the world’s Rankings for batters in Tests. Now he became the second-fastest batter to reach 3,000 Test runs, behind only Sir Donald Bradman.

Shortly after reaching the 150 milestone on the second day of the Test against a hapless West Indian attack, the right-hander passed the 3,000-run mark in just his 51st innings. Only the incomparable Bradman has gotten there quicker, in 33 innings, with Labuschagne matching legendary West Indian Everton Weekes who also got there in 51 knocks.

Australia’s all-round performance in the first Test

Marnus Labuschagne starred with the bat for Australia in the Test series opener against West Indies. The talented batter mustered 204 runs in the first innings and followed it up with an unbeaten knock of 104 in the second essay.

The hosts secured a comprehensive 164-run victory in the contest to go 1-0 in the two-match series. Steve Smith also contributed significantly with the bat in the fixture, remaining unbeaten on 200 in the first innings.

In the bowling department, Nathan Lyon was the pick of the Aussie bowlers. The veteran spinner bagged eight wickets and was instrumental in his side clinching victory. The West Indies will be looking to bounce back in the second Test.