BSP-08 Big Labuschagne ton grinds Pakistan down

265

ZCZC

BSP-08

CRICKET-AUS-PAK LEAD

Big Labuschagne ton grinds Pakistan down

BRISBANE, Australia, Nov 23, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Marnus Labuschagne’s maiden
Test century helped Australia grind Pakistan down at tea on day three of the
first test at the Gabba on Saturday.

Labuschagne was unbeaten on 171 at tea, with captain Tim Paine unbeaten on
13 as the Australians reached 532 for five, a lead of 292 over Pakistan’s
first innings total of 240.

The South African-born Labuschagne made history during the Ashes series
earlier this year when he was brought into the second Test as a concussion
replacement for Steve Smith, who had been hit in the head by a Jofra Archer
bouncer.

It was the first time a concussion replacement had been used in Test
cricket since the new law was introduced.

Labuschagne scored four 50s in that series but had been unable to convert
any of those until his near chanceless innings at his home ground in
Brisbane.

Earlier, teenage pace sensation Naseem Shah claimed his first Test wicket
when he had David Warner caught behind for 154.

The Pakistan pace bowlers attacked Warner from around the wicket on
Saturday and the 33-year-old struggled to get the ball away.

Warner only added three runs to his overnight score of 151 when he became
16-year-old Naseem’s first victim in Test cricket.

Naseem, whose pace has been impressive during this Test, eventually claimed
Warner when the nuggety opener was unable to avoid a short pitched ball and
edged it to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, to leave the Australians 351 for
two.

The Pakistanis’ hearts must have sunk when they saw Steve Smith striding to
the crease to replace Warner.

But after hitting a boundary off Yasir Shah, the leg-spinner then clean
bowled Smith, the seventh time in six Test matches that Yasir has dismissed
the Australian number four.

Labuschagne and Matthew Wade shared in a 110-run partnership before Wade
was well caught by Rizwan for 60 off Haris Sohail.

Sohail and Rizwan then combined to have Travis Head caught down the leg
side for 24.

Labuschagne will be looking to bring up a double century after tea before a
possible late declaration.

BSS/AFP/ARS/1202 hrs