Marnus Labuschagne scored his fifth Test century and his first against India as Australia finished day 1 on 274/5 at The Gabba. He is also the high-scorer of the series getting to 400 runs after this knock. Meanwhile, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has hailed the right-hander for this knock and said that he made use of the missed opportunities that he got. Labuschagne was dropped twice en route to his fifth Test ton and he used every opportunity that he got in the process.
Marnus Labuschagne was dropped on 37 by India captain Ajinkya Rahane at gully off Navdeep Saini’s bowling and got another reprieve when on 48 as he was dropped by Cheteshwar Pujara at the first slip.
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Talking to Sony Sports Network from The Gabba, Gavaskar said that like every good batsman he used all the opportunity that he got and cashed in on the missed chances.
“Like all good batsmen if they get an opportunity of a missed catch or if they are playing and missing, he rode the bad times, waited for good times to come and then he cashed in. He deserved a hundred because he missed out twice before,” said Sunil Gavaskar.
Marnus Labuschagne Looked Better Post-Lunch: Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar further added that Marnus Labuschagne looked a better player post-lunch with him moving his feet better.
“I think before lunch his (Labuschagne) body shape was a little bit tense, he wasn’t quite moving in into the drive or even when he was looking to play the defensive shot, he was not quite balanced. But after lunch, he was looking a lot better, standing up and driving well on this surface. Because on this surface you really cannot drive, because of the extra bounce, and he looked good.”
Marnus had two crucial partnerships during his knock. He first added 70 for the third wicket with Steve Smith (36) and then added 113 runs with Matthew Wade (45) for the fourth wicket.
Australia ended day 1 at The Gabba on 274 for 5 after Natarajan picked two quick wickets to keep Australia at bay at the end of the day’s play. This happened after Australia won the toss and elected to bat at their fortress where they are unbeaten in Tests since 1988.
Also Read: India Might Play With Three Bowlers On Day 2 At The Gabba: Ricky Ponting
