Marnus Labuschagne‘s poor form with the bat has continued after he was strangled down the legside against the Black Caps.
The No.3 batter was dismissed for two by Tim Southee on day two of the first Test, and looked shattered as he walked off The Basin Reserve.
Labuschagne’s low score means he now averages 49.60, making it the first time he’s gone below 50 since November 2019.
READ MORE: Broncos raise alarm over offside rule due to Vegas field
READ MORE: ‘Calamity’: Disastrous run out leaves star ‘angry’
READ MORE: ‘Here to dominate’: Green stunner flips first Test
In 2024, the 29-year-old averages 24 which includes a 62 not out.
”Massive disappointment there for Marnus Labuschagne, hasn’t had the best run of form and you don’t need that type of dismissal,” Brendon Julian said on TVNZ+ after his dismissal.
Labuschagne was the last wicket to fall on a chaotic day where 13 players departed.
The day started with Cameron Green bludgeoning his way to 174 not out as Australia finished all out for 383 when Josh Hazlewood was dismissed.
New Zealand were in the horrors early on when they collapsed to be 5-29 which included a bizarre run out that resulted in a Kane Williamson duck.
Tom Blundell (33), Glenn Phillips (71) and Matt Henry (42) offered some resistance but ultimately the Black Caps were bowled out for 179 with Nathan Lyon taking 4-43.
Despite leading by 205 runs, Australia decided against enforcing the follow on.
Steve Smith’s patchy form in his new opening position continued when he was bowled by Southee for a third ball duck.
https://twitter.com/beastieboy07/status/1763434635420471397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Labuschagne went a few overs later, gifting Southee his second wicket of the innings and pushing him ahead of Chris Martin to make him the leading wicket-taker at The Basin Reserve with 61.
Nathan Lyon came out as nightwatchman and finished six not out but could’ve been dismissed on the final ball with Southee dropping him in the slips.
Lyon was also notably clutching at his hip during the innings, and had to be treated by medical staff on one occasion.
Usman Khawaja will resume day three on five while Australia are 2-13, leading by 217.