The Australian batsman, Marnus Labuschagne scored his fourth century in his 7th innings as Australia continued their dominance over the Blackcaps in Sydney on Friday. However, it was Steve Smith, who made a strong partnership with Marnus after the dismissal of the Australian opener as he went on to score his 29th Test half-century, he didn’t have it all his way at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The former Australian skipper took 39 balls, 43 minutes to get off the mark. A huge cheer rang out at the SCG with Smith even getting a friendly barge from New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner. After facing 38 dot balls, Smith nudged a Wagner delivery to square leg and set off for a quick single, almost resulting in Labuschagne getting run out.
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After completing the single, Wagner gave Smith a friendly push before the Australian raised his hand to acknowledge the loud support from fans at the SCG. Here is the video of the same:
Getting off the mark off your 39th ball? A sigh of relief for Steve Smith! #OhWhatAFeeling @toyota_aus | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/U3t0oS6aTn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2020
Australia has already had an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and after winning the toss, Tim Paine decided to bat first against the visitors, who made five changes to the team that lost the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by 247 runs.
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Opener Joe Burns was dismissed by Colin de Grandhomme in the 15th over as he was caught by Ross Taylor at first slip for 18. David Warner fell again to the leg-side trap after the lunch interval when he was caught by de Grandhomme at leg gully off his nemesis Neil Wagner for 45.
Labuschagne and Smith then went on to add 156 runs for the third wicket before de Grandhomme struck again to get the big scalp of Smith for 63. Australia didn’t suffer any more setbacks on Day 1 of teh the final Test and was 283 for three when stumps were called.
