Marnus Labuschagne's dropped catch at Gabba proves costly for India as he smashes century

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne registered his fifth Test ton and his second 100 at Gabba as he continued to trouble Indian bowlers on Day one of 4th Test. Dropped on 45 by India's skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Labuschagne stood his ground firm and went on to play some fine shots en route to his hundred. Labuschagne took 195 deliveries to reach milestone, lacing his kck with nine boundaries. Forced to come in to bat early on Day one, Labuschagne and Smith steadied ship for Australia after losing both openers Warner and Harris early to Indian bowlers. 

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Labuschagne smashes 5th Test ton

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Labuschagne's drop may prove costly for India

Marnus Labuschagne continued his piping hot form to put Australia in firm control after losing two early wickets on Day one at Gabba. At tea, Labuschagne stood unbeaten at 73 runs, having faced 167 deliveries and smashing seven boundaries. Australian batsman was also given a brear after Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane dropped a catch that was hit straight at him. 

36th over, which came soon after Smith's wicket, proved to be an eventful over for bowling team. Marnus Labuschagne, who has been in a remarkable touch in series, was almost sent packing by a spectacular delivery from Navdeep Saini. On fifth ball of over, Navdeep Saini bowled a peach of a delivery that took batsman by surprise. speedster banged it just short of good length mark around off-stump, and it took a thick edge out of Labuschagne's bat as he looked to defend it. 

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Australia win toss, elect to bat at Gabba

Australia won toss and elected to bat against a depleted Indian side which will be missing both Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin in fourth Test starting on Friday. Pacer Shardul Thakur is playing his second Test match and Mayank Agarwal replaces Hanuma Vihari in middle-order. Australia only has one change in Marcus Harris in place of injured Luke Pucovski. Bumrah being ruled out of fourth Test was first reported by PTI on January 12 amidst reports that he could play even if he is 50 per cent fit. "re was never any chance of Bumrah playing but like any top team, y wouldn't like ir opposition to get a psychological advant,' a senior BCCI source privy to development said.

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