Marnus Labuschagne's maiden double ton lifts Australia to 454 all out vs NZ

Marnus Labuschagne's stellar summer reached a new peak with his maiden double century as Australia was bowled out for 454 on second day of third test against New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground. Labuschagne scored 215 off 363 balls, with 19 boundaries and a six, before his epic innings was ended caught and bowled by leg-spinner Todd Astle nearing tea on Saturday. It took Labuschagne well over an hour into middle session to get final 19 runs he needed from his 181 t out at lunch and 25-year-old was stalled for several overs on 199 before a streaky outside edge off Colin de Grandhomme raced away for a boundary and gave Labuschagne his first double century off 346 balls.

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Labuschagne double ton lifts Australia to 454

world's fourth-ranked batsman has scored 837 runs in five matches, including four centuries, this summer at an incredible aver of 119.6. He is also first player to make four test scores of 140 or more during an Australian summer. Skipper Tim Paine, who shared a 79-run partnership with Labuschagne, scored 35 before he was bowled by de Grandhomme (3-78) to trigger a late-order collapse for hosts. Astle n snared Labuschagne and Pat Cummins (2), eir side of Wagner bowling James Pattinson (2).

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Some lusty hitting from Mitchell Starc (22) saw Australia pass 450 before Wagner (3-66) hit his middle stump to end innings. New Zealand will begin its first innings after tea interval. Resuming this morning at 283-3, Australia added 71 runs for loss of two wickets before lunch in what was evenest session of test so far.

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After making five changes for this match, four of which were for illness or injury, New Zealand's tour took ar blow with news that seamer Matt Henry had broken his thumb early on first day and Jeet Raval had taken ill. Henry continued to bowl as injury is to his n-bowling hand, but he was seen wearing a splint under heavy strapping when play commenced Saturday, while Raval reappeared in field late in first session. Despite latest personnel setbacks, Saturday's first session was New Zealand's best in field with spinner Will Somerville bowling Matt Wade (22) in first over morning, before Henry had Travis Head caught behind for 10.

On Friday, Labuschagne and Steve Smith (63) combined for a 156-run partnership to swing momentum firmly toward hosts after Paine won toss and batted. Conditions at SCG were hot and conditions may worsen later in day as smoke from current wildfires in New South Wales state drift toward city. 

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