SYDNEY (Australia): Marnus Labuschagne was the hero for Australia after his fourth century in just 14 Tests helped the hosts into a commanding position against New Zealand on the opening day of third Test on Friday.
Australia won the toss and chose to bat against the Kiwis, who made five changes to the team that lost the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by 247 runs.
The number three batsman, last year’s leading Test runscorer with 1104 runs at 64.94, again proved the Black Caps’ nemesis with his second ton of the series.
Supported by Steve Smith’s 28th Test half-century, Australia reached stumps at 283 for three with Labuschagne unbeaten on 130 and Matthew Wade a breezy 22 not out.
Labuschagne has now scored four centuries in seven Test innings this southern summer against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Smith, who took 39 balls to get off the mark, shared in a 156-run stand with Labuschagne before he again missed out after a lengthy stay and was caught at slip off Colin de Grandhomme for 63 off 182 balls.
David Warner fell again to the leg-side trap on the third ball after lunch when he was caught by de Grandhomme at leg gully off Neil Wagner for 45.
It was the fourth time in the series left-armer Wagner has snared Warner, who has yet to reach a half-century against New Zealand this summer after scoring an unbeaten 335 and 154 against Pakistan last November.
Kiwis misses key players including skipper Williamson
The visitors went into the Sydney Test without skipper and star batsman Kane Williamson, who has been ill in the lead-up.
Batsman Henry Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were other illness withdrawals while Southee lost his place to leg-spinner Todd Astle.
Paceman Trent Boult is also missing after returning home with a broken hand suffered in the second Test in Melbourne.
Batsman Glenn Phillips was named to make his Test debut, with opener Tom Latham to lead the side in Williamson’s absence.
Will Somerville, Matt Henry and Jeet Raval were also called into the side, while the Australians were unchanged after considering Mitchell Swepson as a second spinner.
Australia have been unbeatable this season, winning all four Tests at home — two each against Pakistan and New Zealand — after retaining the Ashes in England.
