Australia's Marnus Labuschagne slams his eighth Test century: Key stats
What's the story
Marnus Labuschagne brought up his eighth Test century during the opener of the two-match series against West Indies. He brilliantly tackled the Caribbean bowlers and brought up his hundred off 192 deliveries. Labuschagne returned unbeaten on 154 at stumps on Day 1 (4s: 16, 6: 1). While Labuschagne's overall Test record is impressive, his numbers at home are jaw-dropping. Here are his stats.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Australia won the toss and opted to bat in Perth. The home side couldn't get off to a strong start as opener David Warner departed for just five. However, Labuschagne arrived at number three and steadied the ship alongside Usman Khawaja. Besides Labuschagne, Khawaja and Steve Smith also scored vital fifties on the opening day. Meanwhile, Australia finished Day 1 at 292/2.
Career
A look at Labuschagne's Test numbers
Labuschagne, who made his Test debut in 2018, now boasts over 2,650 runs in 29 Tests. He averages over 55 in the format. Besides eight tons, the 28-year-old also has 13 fifties in Tests. At home, Labuschagne has slammed over 1,900 runs in 18 Tests with an 80-plus average. Seven of his eight Test tons have been recorded down under.
Khawaja
Fifty for Usman Khawaja
As mentioned above, opener Khawaja also scored a fine century, 65 off 149 balls. His knock was studded with five boundaries and a six. Khawaja has now become the third batter after Jonny Bairstow (1,061) and Joe Root (961) to complete 900 Test runs in 2022. The southpaw now owns 953 runs in eight Tests this year at 95.3 (50s: 4, 100s: 4).
Smith
Half-century for Steve Smith
Meanwhile, Steve Smith, who has been among the runs lately, also scored a vital fifty. He returned unbeaten on 59 off 107 balls (7 fours) at stumps. Notably, Smith is Australia's leading run-scorer in international cricket this year with over 1,200 runs in 30 games at a 47-plus average (50s: 9, 100s: 2). He would also like to touch three figures on Day 2.