Cricket

Labuschagne makes 200, Smith equals Bradman as Australia pummel West Indies

AFPPerth, Australia
Marnus Labuschagne of Australia gets his 2nd century (200 runs) during the 2nd day of the first Test cricket match between Australia and the West Indies at Perth Stadium on 1 December, 2022
AFP

Marnus Labuschagne powered to a double century on Thursday and Steve Smith cracked his 29th Test ton, drawing level with Donald Bradman, as Australia turned the screws against the West Indies in the first Test at Perth Stadium.

At lunch on day two, the hosts were 402-3 with Labuschagne out for 204 on the stroke of the break and the faultless Smith not out on 114 after a 251-run partnership.

Australia resumed on 293-2 after dominating the opening day of the first Test between the sides in nearly seven years, with David Warner (5) and Usman Khawaja (65) the only wickets to fall.

Labuschagne began the session on 154 and Smith on 59 with the West Indies desperate for an early breakthrough.

But on an overcast day with good batting conditions, Smith hit a boundary off Kemar Roach’s opening over to signal his intent and they quickly brought up the 300.

Once again, the West Indies bowled with discipline and occasionally threatened, with Labuschagne lucky to escape after top-edging a pull shot off Jason Holder on 175.

Shouts of “catch it” went up, but the ball fell harmlessly in mid-wicket.

Steve Smith of Australia reacts after getting his century during the 2nd day of the first Test cricket match between Australia and the West Indies at Perth Stadium on 1 December, 2022

Labuschagne had a big let-off on 196 when wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva spilled a chance from the spin of Roston Chase.

He was otherwise in charge and reached 200 with a boundary off Jayden Seales before he was caught by Da Silva after getting an edge off the part-time bowling of skipper Kraigg Brathwaite.

It ended a patient innings of 350 balls, with 20 fours and one six.

A masterful Smith was untroubled as he swept to his 29th century, off 194 balls, to equal the feat of legendary Australian Bradman, who only played 52 Tests to Smith’s 88.

Smith is now joint 14th on the all-time list with his next target the 30 of fellow Australian Matthew Hayden and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose son Tagenarine is making his debut for the West Indies in Perth.

Indian great Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 centuries remains the benchmark.

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