Freakish ‘best since Bradman’ feat behind Aussie golden boy’s stunning rise

Freakish ‘best since Bradman’ feat behind Aussie golden boy’s stunning rise

New summer of cricket, same old Marnus Labuschagne.

The Australian No. 3 has brought up his eighth Test century, reaching triple figures late on day one of the series opener against the West Indies at Perth Stadium.

Labuschagne brought up his ton in 192 deliveries on Wednesday, passing the milestone with a powerful cut stroke through point before saluting the crowd with his trademark grin.

It’s hopefully the start of another prolific Test summer for the talented right-hander.

Watch the first Test between Australia and the West Indies LIVE and ad-break free during play on Fox Cricket, and stream on Kayo. Coverage starts 11.50am AEDT Wednesday >

Earlier, the 28-year-old waltzed to the crease following the dismissal of David Warner, who chopped on in the fourth over for 5.

The West Indies seamers were disciplined in the opening session, rarely straying in line and length as Labuschagne mustered just two boundaries during his first 20 overs in the middle.

But runs started flowing after the lunch break once the pitch had settled and the Kookaburra lost its shine.

Labuschagne was calm at the crease, patiently biding his time. He seemed less agitated than usual.

“He’s a bit more settled today,” Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.

“It’s almost like he’s maturing a little bit.”

Former Australian batter Michael Hussey continued: “He does seem a lot more composed, a lot more in control.”

NEW FOLLOW-ON PODCAST – Ultimate test series preview; summer of Smudge?

Listen below or subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

It wasn’t a flawless knock from Labuschagne, far from it. He was worked over by West Indies paceman Jayden Seales in the 42nd over, with an outside edge flying through the slip cordon.

“You’ve won the over,” Labuschagne told Seales at the change of ends.

Labuschagne combined with Usman Khawaja for a 142-run partnership before the latter departed in the 53rd over for 65, but that only brought Steve Smith to the crease.

And nobody loves batting with the New South Welshman more than Labuschagne — the duo average 60.31 together at Test level.

Labuschagne currently averages 67.46 in Tests on Australian soil, a figure bettered only by Sir Donald Bradman.

Only one cricketer has scored more Test centuries than Labuschagne since his international debut — former England captain Joe Root.

The Queenslander is unstoppable at Perth Stadium — he scored 143 and 50 during his only other Test match at the newly-developed venue in December 2019.

Get all the latest cricket news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!

MORE CRICKET NEWS

BURNING QUESTIONS: Unwanted shadow over Aussies; Test legend’s Smith warning

‘PUTTING ALL BAGGAGE BEHIND ME’: Lara reveals career ‘watershed’ moment

AUSSIE XI CONFIRMED: Cult hero snubbed as green Perth monster revealed

‘I’LL HANDLE WARNE’: The eight-hour Aussie torture that launched cricket titan

‘TOO WOKE’: Cummins ‘not bothered’ by critics as Aussies take historic stance