Head made his first test century on his home ground in the day-after match, scoring 114 not out, and Labuschagne scored his third century of the series.
In a 199-run partnership, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head scored centuries without defeat to help Australia defeat West Indies by 330-3 at stumps on Thursday, day one of the second cricket test.
At the Adelaide Oval, Labuschagne was 120 not out, making it his third century in as many innings against the West Indies.
In the day-night match, Head scored his first test century on his home ground and finished with a score of 114 not out. Following Australia’s 164-run victory in the series opener in Perth last weekend, both teams made changes due to injuries. After only bowling two overs on debut, Marquino Mindley—one of three changes for the depleted West Indies—left the field with a hamstring strain.
After Steve Smith, the stand-in captain, won the toss and chose to bat first, the Australians took an early lead. Before being run out for 62, Usman Khawaja caused the only slight hiccup in Australia’s innings. He shared a 34-run opening stand with David Warner (21) and a 95-run partnership with Labuschagne for the second wicket. Devon Thomas, a part-time seamer, was the unlikely bowler who broke the second-wicket stand by lbw trapping Khawaja on the first ball of the 42nd over from around the wicket. The third umpire confirmed Khawaja’s dismissal, and Australia won 129-2. The decision was immediately reviewed.
Australia lost two wickets for two runs in 11 deliveries after former skipper Jason Holder took a return catch off his own bowling to dismiss Smith for a duck. However, Labuschagne and Head quickly responded with a counterattack, reestablishing Australia’s dominance.
After scoring 204 and 104 not out in Perth, Labuschagne cut Thomas to the point boundary to raise his 10th century in his 30th test and his third in a row in this series. Head was straightaway, arriving at triple figures for the fifth time in a test with a determined limit through mid-off, proceeding with his strength through the off-side. His century consisted of ten boundaries and 125 deliveries.
On a pitch that favors the bat, West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite cycled through seven bowlers in an effort to get a wicket. Only Joseph (1-81), Holder (1-42), and Thomas (1-43) received any rewards.