The Ashes, 2nd Test: Half Centuries by Warner, Labuschagne help Australia dominate

Adelaide, December 16 (IANS) David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne struck half a century as Australia dominated the second session of the second ash test at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. During the tea break on the first day, Australia had an unbeaten score of 125 runs with 129/1 in 53 overs with Warner with 65 and Labuschagne (with 53 batting). 

Resuming dinner on 45/1, James Anderson bowled a probing spell and tested Warner and Labuschagne. It caused the duo to have some nervous moments. Labuschagne, who previously defied a test short ball exam from Ben Stokes in the first session, received a reprieve with both hands on the 21st Stokes, but could not believe it.

Warner reached his 32nd Test 50 with a great pull-off from Stokes, splitting deep square leg and deep backward square leg to perfection. Labuschagne also made his 12th Test half-century by putting Ollie Robinson in the middle for three runs.

Previously, Warner and Labuschagne had weathered difficult questions from the English bowlers in order to survive the first session. Anderson and Stuart Broad offered limited chances to score, challenging the outside edges of Warner and Marcus Harris.

Rescued by DRS on lbw off Broad, Harris was the first wicket to fall for Australia. England burned both of its reviews to send Warner back to the locker room. Broad thought he had Warner lbw to 0 in the eighth over while Chris Woakes chased Warner lbw.

More Cricket News | Australia's squad name for the ICC U19 World Cup

After 12 overs, Australia had only 15 left and Warner hit the bull's eye with his 20th ball. With Labuschagne on the other end, Warner settled down and pushed a few boundaries against Broad and Woakes. Labuschagne seemed to get into trouble with short balls from Ben Stokes, although he got a limit from him.

Short results: Australia 129/1 in 53 overs (David Warner 65 not out, Marnus Labuschagne 53 not out, Stuart Broad 1/27) against England