India vs Australia: Marnus Labuschagne hits 5th Test century

Brisbane: Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Friday rode his luck to post his fifth Test century and frustrate the Indian attack on the opening day of the fourth Test in Brisbane. With established batsmen like Smith and Warner back in the pavilion, Labuschagne held the fort for his team.

Labuschagne has played some excellent shots en route to his hundred- anything short, the batsman exhibited some solid pulls and has driven the full deliveries firmly down the ground.

Labuschagne was given a reprieve on 37 by Ajinkya Rahane who dropped him at gully and again on 48 when he nicked to Cheteshwar Pujara, who put



down a tough, low chance at first slip.

Despite four forced changes to their 11 from Sydney, India had stunned Australia with two early wickets in a dream start before Steve Smith and Labuschagne steadied the ship for the home side in the morning.

Labuschagne forged a 70-run stand with Smith for the 3rd wicket before the latter was caught at short midwicket off debutant Washington Sundar for 36. After Smith's dismissal, Labuschagne partnered with Matthew Wade for a solid 100-plus stand for the 4th wicket and kept the Indian team at bay during the second session of the day.