Sydney: MarnusLabuschagne continues to score hundreds as he notched his fourth ton in five Tests this summer. His unbeaten 130 has powered Australia in a commanding position as they finish the day on 3-283 of the third Test against New Zealand at the SCG in Sydney. The World Number five Test batsman will commence the second day along with Matthew Wade who is sitting on 22. Steve Smith again failed to convert his half-century into a hundred as he edged Colin de Grandhommeoutswinger just before the stumps. Earlier, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first with opener Joe Burns (18) once again failing as he caught in the slips off an outside edge of de Grandhomme’s bowling, the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis today. Neil Wagner removed David Warner (45) just after the Lunch as the left-hander steered the ball to leggully. It was a bad day to start for New Zealand as they had to go with five changes just before the match. Tom Latham was named captain in place of ill Kane Williamson. Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner were also ruled out of the match. The sides wore black armbands in memory of the lost lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the scenario. It must be noted that Australia have already won the series 2-0 after winning matches in Perth and Melbourne respectively by a heavy margin.
