Smith Eyes Ton As Australia Seizes Control

Labuschagne and Warner rally after Boult dismisses Burns first ball

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Master batsman Steve Smith ground out an unbeaten 77 on Thursday as he zeroed in on yet another century, putting Australia in the driving seat after the opening day of the second Test here against New Zealand.

In the Black Caps’ first Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 1987, skipper Kane Williamson opted to bowl, and it looked to be a good decision with Joe Burns out first ball and David Warner just before lunch.

Frustration for Kiwis

But first Marnus Labuschagne (63), the world’s leading run-scorer for 2019, and then Smith smacked half-centuries to seize back control and leave Australia on 257 for four, frustrating the disciplined Kiwi bowlers.

Along with the fidgety Smith, Travis Head was not out on 25, desperate for runs after a lean spell.