Australian seamers Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc's exceptional performance bundled out New Zealand for 162 runs on Day 1 of the second Test of the two-match series at Hagley Oval on Friday.
The reigning ICC World Test Championship winners Aussies have resisted the urge to change a winning formula and will use the same XI in Christchurch that clinched a commanding 172-run victory over New Zealand in the opening Test in Wellington.
Labuschagne managed contributions of just one and two during Australia's emphatic 172-run triumph in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington and the right-hander has now failed to score more than 10 in his past three Test appearances.
Australia's spin wizard Nathan Lyon dashed New Zealand's hopes early in the fourth day by taking ten wickets in the match, helping visitors claim a 172-run victory in the first Test at the Basin Reserve. The Aussies are 1-0 in the two-match series.
During the day two of the match, Lyon came out as a nightwatchman following the dismissals of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne and made 41 in 46 balls, with six fours. He scored his runs at a strike rate of over 89.
Australia's near-perfect day was marred by loss of early wickets as Blackcaps skipper Tim Southee ended his side's poor day with the wickets of Steve Smith (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (2).
Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne will get the opportunity to lead a team in the domestic format for the first time in his career after Queensland announced him as the skipper for their final game of the Marsh Cup.
Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke on Wednesday said that one cannot write off Marnus Labuschagne as he is batting at one of the toughest positions in cricket.
West Indies speedster Shamar Joseph made a dream start to his Test career by dismissing Steve Smith on his very first delivery on the first day in the first Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
Out of many incumbent players like Travis Head, the white-ball opener, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, who has also opened in white-ball cricket, Smith put his hands up and offered to move to the very top of the batting line-up. This new look line-up will start its journey without War