Labuschange powers Australia under lights: 2nd Test, Day 1 (Adelaide)

Australia dominated the opening day of the 2nd Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval after winning the toss and electing to bat first under stand-in captain Steve Smith, with regular skipper Pat Cummins sidelined due to COVID protocols.

England made an early breakthrough when Stuart Broad removed Marcus Harris cheaply, but David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings with a commanding 172-run stand for the second wicket.

Warner fell for a hard-fought 95, while Labuschagne, surviving two dropped catches, remained unbeaten on 95 alongside Smith (18*). England’s bowlers toiled under lights, with wayward lengths and missed chances costing them control as Australia closed firmly on top heading into Day 2.

At stumps: Australia 221/2 (89 overs) — Marnus Labuschagne 95 not out, Steve Smith 18 not out; David Warner 95; Stuart Broad 1/34, Ben Stokes 1/39.**

Dec 2021