Labushen’s half-century, Australia’s 187 for four by tea time

Manchester. With the help of Marnus Labushen’s half-century and his two half-century partnerships, Australia scored 187 runs for four wickets till the tea break here on Wednesday, the first day of the fourth Test cricket match against England. Labushen scored 51 runs in the last moments of the second season before being lbw to spinner Moeen Ali. Meanwhile, he shared 59 runs with Steve Smith (41) and 63 with Travis Head (47 not out). Mitchell Marsh was playing with Head at the time of tea break by scoring one run.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and was invited to bat first, losing two wickets each in the first two sessions. Fast bowler Chris Broad gave England early success by dismissing Usman Khawaja (03) lbw in the fifth over of the innings itself. David Warner (32) again failed to play a big innings. He started well but returned to the pavilion by giving a catch behind the wicket off Chris Woakes. With this, Australia’s score became 61 runs for two wickets. Smith was looking in good rhythm and was doing a great job of grooming the innings with Labushen.

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He adopted the strategy of dominating the bowlers but Mark Wood soon put an end to his attitude. Smith played 52 balls in his innings and hit 5 fours and a six before being lbw. After this, Labushen got a good partner in the form of head. Labushen, however, returned to the pavilion soon after completing his 16th half-century in Test cricket. He faced 115 balls and hit six fours. Head continued his good form. He has so far faced 62 balls and hit seven fours. Australia is currently leading 2-1 in the five-match series.