Ashes 2021-22: 2nd Test, Day 1 – Labuschagne, Warner see Australia through a tough day
Australia ended Day 1 of the second Ashes Test against England at a commanding 221/2. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne put on a superb partnership of 172 runs for the second wicket as the kangaroos dominated the proceedings on the first day.
After the departure of Warner, Steve Smith and Labuschagne saw the day through to put the Aussies on top. On that note, let us take a look at the 3 talking points of the day.
3. Jos Buttler takes a one-handed blinder to dismiss Marcus Harris
INSANE! Buttler pulls in an all-timer behind the stumps! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/v96UgK42ce
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2021
England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler’s acrobatic brilliance put an end to Marcus Harris’ stay out in the middle. Harris mistimed a short-pitched delivery from Stuart Broad, and the ball flew to Buttler’s right. And, that is when the wicketkeeper flung himself at full length to pluck the ball out of nowhere. Harris was dismissed for 3, as the England players’ joy knew no bounds.
2. David Warner misses an Ashes ton yet again
David Warner played a classy knock for the Australian side at the top of the order. The left-hander scored a gorgeous 95, but missed his century yet again. In the 1st Ashes Test too, the left-hander was dismissed in the nervous nineties. However, Warner made sure that the Aussies ended the day on top, as he and his batting partner in crime, Marnus Labuschagne sent the England side on a leather hunt.
1. Marnus Labuschagne gets ‘two lives’ courtesy Jos Buttler
An absolute sitter hits the deck as Labuschagne gets another life #Ashes pic.twitter.com/QI3bDaIRRO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2021
Luck was smiling on Marnus Labuschagne, as Jos Buttler gifted the Aussie batter two lives. When Labuschagne was batting on 21, Ben Stokes bowled a short delivery and Labuschagne went for the pull. The ball took the glove and went to Jos Buttler, who put down the chance.
And then, once again when Labuschagne was batting on 95, Buttler dropped an absolute sitter. James Anderson bowled a probing delivery outside off stump, and Labuschagne nicked it. But Buttler made a mess of the chance. Labuschagne ended the day unbeaten on 95.
