Ashes 2nd Test: Labuschagne, Warner power Australia to 221/2 at stumps vs England on Day 1

Australia dominated Day 1 of the 2nd Ashes Test vs England by scoring 221/2. After losing captain Pat Cummins before the toss due to Covid-19 protocols, Steve Smith was handed the captaincy duties for the first time after the infamous ball-tampering sandpaper-gate scandal in 2018.

Also read: Steve Smith to captain Australia, Pat Cummins ruled out due to Covid scare

After winning the toss, Smith made the right choice by batting first but Australia soon lost the wicket of opener Marcus Harris who was dismissed for a disappointing score of 3. Marnus Labuschagne then partnered with David Warner as the pair batted with extreme caution against the pink ball. James Anderson and Stuart Broad were bowling probing lines in Adelaide but Labuschagne and Warner put on 172 for the 2nd wicket.

Warner was dismissed for heartbreaking 95 after working hard to reach a possible hundred. Labuschagne then partnered with stand-in skipper Steve Smith to add another 45 runs together as the day ended with Australia at 221/2. Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 95 as he looks confident to get to his 6th Test hundred.