Marnus Labuschagne surpasses Steve Smith's record, eyes Don Bradman next

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne, who started his stint in Test team as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith, has sealed his spot at number three in team after a series of splendid performances. His recent heroics came against New Zealand in third and final Test of series. Labuschagne tched up a brilliant double century in first innings of match to help Australia post a mammoth total of 454.

Labuschagne surpasses Smith

Owing to his brilliant innings, Labuschagne surpassed Steve Smith's Test aver and w stands behind cricket legend Don Bradman. Labuschagne avers 63.63 and has scored 1400 runs in 14 Tests that he has played whereas Steve Smith avers 62.84 and Don Bradman's record aver is of 99.94. South African batsman has so far registered, 7 fifties, three centuries and a doubly century recently. 

Speaking about his record and dream run this season, Labuschagne said, "Obviously, that is very special you kw going past a player of that calibre. But it's hard because you don't, when you bat through a game, a series, you haven't really had time to stop and reflect on, you kw, summer that I've had. But looking at it, it has been a very special summer but I think real privilege is playing in this team." 

READ | Marnus Labuschagne's Maiden Double Ton Lifts Australia To 454 All Out Vs NZ

Labuschagne's Maiden Double Ton

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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Australia's dominant performance 

After setting up a mammoth total of 454, courtsey of Marnus Labuschagne's double ton, Aussie bowlers did t shy away from wreaking carn on Blackcaps. Nathan Lyon was pick of hosts as he bagged a stunning fifer to send back Proteas' batsmen. Lyon cleared opener Tom Blundell and youngster Jeet Raval first and n got rid of tailend consisting of William Somerville, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry. Lyon bowled 30.4 overs, off which he gave away only 68 runs and bowled 10 maidens. off-spinner w has a fifer against each team that he has ever faced and has 7 fifers against mighty Indians.

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