Marnus Labuschagne was in the runs for the second Test in succession on day one of the Adelaide Test, finishing it unbeaten on 95 as Australia fought to a total of 221-2 at the close of play.
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Labuschagne dug in and withstood periods of accurate bowling from the English seamers to register his 17th 50-plus score in Test cricket and become the fifth-fastest player to reach the milestone of 2,000 Test runs. He was not without the odd moment of luck, however.
The Australia No. 3 was dropped twice – first on 21, then on 95 – by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
It was a mixed day for the England gloveman. He took a stunning one-handed diving catch in the day’s first session to remove Australia opener Marcus Harris for three before those two Labuschagne drops.
Both were chances that would be expected to be taken at Test level but the second – off the bowling of James Anderson with the second new ball – was particularly eye-catching. Labuschagne got a healthy edge off a delivery well wide of off stump that travelled towards Buttler at what would normally be a nice, comfortable height.
However, he was unable to take the opportunity. England finished the day having taken just two Australia wickets and the late drop of Labuschagne left Buttler looking disconsolate behind the stumps.
You can watch the video of Buttler’s drop below:
It’s been another good day for Australia. #Ashespic.twitter.com/Jj01crwNsd
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 16, 2021
