Australia vs. West Indies First Test Day 2 live scores, updates from Optus Stadium: Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith set to dominate


Welcome to news.com.au’s live coverage of Day 2 of the opening Test of the summer against the West Indies.

Australia sit in a commanding position against the tourists after the opening day of action at Optus Stadium – with the first ball of Day 2 scheduled to be bowled at 1:20pm AEDT on Thursday.

Marnus Labuschagne is on 154, while his good mate Steve Smith remains unbeaten on 59.

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Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat on Wednesday with the Aussies finishing at 2/293 under scorching Perth conditions.

You can read the full scoreboard here and catch up on the day’s action below as it happens (all times AEDT):

1:00pm – Marnus ‘calming down a bit’

Marnus Labuschagne has explained some of the sutble changes to his batting ahead of the second day of his magnificent innings.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Marnus was asked if he was actively trying to minimise his unique mannerisms while batting out on the pitch.

The star batsman suggested he might be “calming down a little more,” although it clearly hasn’t been a purposeful step to remove his unique quirks.

12:30pm – Smith good to go after injury scare

Steve Smith is ready to rock on Day 2 despite an injury scare on Wednesday that left him needing treatment out on the field.

The batting superstar is “all ok” according to Cricket Australia after going down with a sore left hip, the same hip he was struggling with in the lead-up to the Test.

He resumes his innings on 59.

12pm – Day 1 recap

The tourists received an early boost after David Warner suffered a brain fade.

Australia was 1/9 in the fourth over when Warner chopped on from Jayden Seales’ wide delivery.

From there it was all one way traffic in the middle as Labuschagne joined Usman Khawaja at the crease and put the West Indies to the sword.

The duo combined for a stunning 142-run partnership with Khawaja continuing his stellar calendar year form before being sent packing on 65 from a perfectly delivered Kyle Mayers ball.

Labuschagne however wasn’t to be denied as he raised his bat with a perfectly structured century, ultimately ending the days play on 154 not out.

The classy number three picked the West Indies bowling attack apart, pummelling 16 boundaries and one six throughout the day.

It was the eighth Test century for Labuschagne.

Former coach Justin Langer was thrilled to see Labuschagne raise the bat with Smith at the crease with him.

“It is the master and the apprentice. I’ve said it for the last three or four years, and they have become great friends. They have helped each other, they love cricket and to be out there on such a great moment for Marnus, not only for Marnus, for the team, for his family, it’s nice to have one of your best mates out there batting with you,” he said on Channel 7’s coverage.

Steve Smith carried on the impressive run onslaught when he strolled to the crease, combining with Labuschagne for another century stand.

Smith walked off at the end of the days play unbeaten on 59 after producing a 142-run stand with his apprentice.

You can read the full scoreboard here and catch up on the day’s action below as it happens (all times AEDT):

1:00pm – Marnus ‘calming down a bit’

Marnus Labuschagne has explained some of the sutble changes to his batting ahead of the second day of his magnificent innings.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Marnus was asked if he was actively trying to minimise his unique mannerisms while batting out on the pitch.

The star batsman suggested he might be “calming down a little more,” although it clearly hasn’t been a purposeful step to remove his unique quirks.

12:30pm – Smith good to go after injury scare

Steve Smith is ready to rock on Day 2 despite an injury scare on Wednesday that left him needing treatment out on the field.

The batting superstar is “all ok” according to Cricket Australia after going down with a sore left hip, the same hip he was struggling with in the lead-up to the Test.

He resumes his innings on 59.



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