australian drummer Marnus Labuschagnethird consecutive hundred and local boy Travis headThe fast century of propelled the hosts to an impressive 330-3 on the opening day of the second day-night test in Adelaide on Thursday.
Their 199-run collaboration for the unbroken fourth wicket helped Australia overcome a wobble in the second session, when they lost two quick wickets, and stay on course for a 2-0 series sweep.
Labuschagne, who scored 204 and 104 unbeaten in the first Test in Perth, hit 11 limits in his unbeaten 120.
Head’s Breezy 114 was his first cent in his field and included 12 fours.
Australia have rested regular skipper Pat Cummins with a quadriceps strain. Fast-paced compatriot Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with side tension making him doubtful for the start of the next series against South Africa.
Replacement skipper Steve Smith opted to battle against an injury-ravaged West Indies side who had to make four changes to the side that suffered a complete defeat in Perth.
David Warner (21) broken Joseph Alzarri for three fours in an over but squandered a good start chasing a mad delivery from the bowlers to be caught behind.
Opening partner Usman Khawaja (62) completed 1,000 runs for the calendar year and looked in good touch before West Indies hit back with two quick wickets after the lunch break.
Newbie Devon Thomas fired Khawaja lbw with an angling delivery, a decision Khawaja contested but couldn’t reverse.
In the next game, Jason Holder leaned into his follow-up to take a return from Smith, who fell for an eight-ball duck.
Head joined Labuschagne to punish a depleted West Indies attack missing the injured trio of Kyle Mayers, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
As if that weren’t enough, rookie pacemaker Marquino Mindley only managed two overs before leaving the field with a suspected hamstring injury.
Labuschagne, currently the highest-ranked Test batsman, shrugged off a slow start and hit Thomas on the edge of the point to conjure up his third consecutive series century.
Head, who went down for 99 in Perth, couldn’t be denied his cent either and the southpaw hit the mark with a limit from Joseph.
“He’s probably one of the best, that’s very good,” Head told Cricket Australia and also praised Labuschagne.
“Unlucky hundred from Marnus. He played beautifully. He came and did it in difficult conditions and with a short delay.”
Their 199-run collaboration for the unbroken fourth wicket helped Australia overcome a wobble in the second session, when they lost two quick wickets, and stay on course for a 2-0 series sweep.
Labuschagne, who scored 204 and 104 unbeaten in the first Test in Perth, hit 11 limits in his unbeaten 120.
Head’s Breezy 114 was his first cent in his field and included 12 fours.
Australia have rested regular skipper Pat Cummins with a quadriceps strain. Fast-paced compatriot Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with side tension making him doubtful for the start of the next series against South Africa.
Replacement skipper Steve Smith opted to battle against an injury-ravaged West Indies side who had to make four changes to the side that suffered a complete defeat in Perth.
David Warner (21) broken Joseph Alzarri for three fours in an over but squandered a good start chasing a mad delivery from the bowlers to be caught behind.
Opening partner Usman Khawaja (62) completed 1,000 runs for the calendar year and looked in good touch before West Indies hit back with two quick wickets after the lunch break.
Newbie Devon Thomas fired Khawaja lbw with an angling delivery, a decision Khawaja contested but couldn’t reverse.
In the next game, Jason Holder leaned into his follow-up to take a return from Smith, who fell for an eight-ball duck.
Head joined Labuschagne to punish a depleted West Indies attack missing the injured trio of Kyle Mayers, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
As if that weren’t enough, rookie pacemaker Marquino Mindley only managed two overs before leaving the field with a suspected hamstring injury.
Labuschagne, currently the highest-ranked Test batsman, shrugged off a slow start and hit Thomas on the edge of the point to conjure up his third consecutive series century.
Head, who went down for 99 in Perth, couldn’t be denied his cent either and the southpaw hit the mark with a limit from Joseph.
“He’s probably one of the best, that’s very good,” Head told Cricket Australia and also praised Labuschagne.
“Unlucky hundred from Marnus. He played beautifully. He came and did it in difficult conditions and with a short delay.”
