Adelaide: Australia made a commanding start to the Day 1 of second Pink-Ball Test at Adelaide with 221 with the loss of Marcus Harris and David Warner. The top-order had a good hold as David and Marnus Labuschange had a long partnership of 172 runs against the second wicket. The withdrawal of Pat Cummins in the last moment opened the gate for Steve Smith who resumed to lead the Aussies after 2018 in whites.
England was deprived of Pink-Ball sparkle as Jos Buttler dropped Labuschange twice. England struggled to fight back as the Kangaroos dominated with patience and plans. England had nothing to do but blame themselves and watch the ball clinging as it zipped around the floodlights. Labuschagne’s innings was full of patience as he played 37 consecutive dot balls after having a quick 10 from nine balls. Labuschange was at 95, as the Aussie praised himself after getting the life and awaits his maiden Test century.
An enthralling opening day to the Adelaide Test!
What do the next four days have in store for us? #Ashes pic.twitter.com/E0xz5ArxOw
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 16, 2021
England’s five-man pace attack is under a plenty of questions but somehow managed to recover it with as many wickets as catches dropped one of them, ironically, by ‘Superman’ Buttler drive. England did their homework well to remove Warner on an early note. England was determined to get off Warner as they reviewed for a catch in the slips off Broad – the DRS showed the ball beating the inside edge before deflecting straight off the thigh pad. Root burned another review a few overs later, when Woakes struck Warner on the front pad. Third umpire Paul Reiffel deliberated at length over replays trying to discern an inside edge before deciding they were inconclusive, only for ball-tracking to show the delivery had pitched outside leg regardless.
