Marnus Labuschagne Sets Record in Pink-Ball Test Cricket

Historic Achievement by Labuschagne

Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has etched his name in history as the first player to surpass 1,000 runs in the history of pink-ball, day-night Test matches.

Labuschagne's Impressive Performance

In the first Test at Perth, Labuschagne scored 9 and an unbeaten 51 while chasing a target of 205. He continued his excellent form by scoring 65 runs off 78 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, achieving a strike rate exceeding 83.

Labuschagne's Dominance in Pink-Ball Tests

Labuschagne stands out as the leading run-scorer in pink-ball Test cricket, amassing 1,023 runs across 10 matches and 16 innings, boasting an impressive average of 63.93. His record includes four centuries and five fifties, with a highest score of 163. Following him is teammate Steve Smith, who has accumulated 876 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 38.08, featuring one century and six fifties.

Ashes Series Performance

In the Ashes series, Labuschagne has played 16 Tests, scoring 1,141 runs in 29 innings, averaging 42.25, with two centuries and nine fifties, his best score being 111.

Brisbane Test Overview

In the ongoing Brisbane Test, England opted to bat first, starting the day at 325/9 and ultimately finishing at 334 runs in 76.2 overs. Joe Root led the charge with his first Test century in Australia, scoring 138* off 206 balls, while Zak Crawley contributed 76 runs off 93 balls. Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler, taking 6 wickets for 75 runs, surpassing Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm pacer in Test history.

Australia responded strongly in their first innings, with a solid opening partnership of 77 runs between Travis Head (33 runs off 43 balls) and Jake Weatherald, who scored a brisk 72 runs off 78 balls. Labuschagne formed a crucial 69-run partnership with Weatherald, followed by a 50-run stand with Steve Smith (61 runs off 85 balls). Cameron Green added 45 runs, helping Australia reach 378/6, leading by 44 runs despite quick wickets from Brydon Carse (3/113) and Ben Stokes (2/93).