4th Ashes Test: Smith, Labuschagne take Australia to 170/3 on rain-hit Day 1

Steve Smith (Source - ICC Twitter)

Manchester, Sep 5 - Marnus Labuschagne notched up his fourth straight half century while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 60 as Australia reached 170/3 at stumps on Day 1 of the rain-affected fourth Test on Wednesday.

In the very little play that was possible after lunch, Labuschagne brought up his 50 off 88 balls and was looking good before Craig Overton (1/41) castled him to break the 116-run stand between him and Smith for the third wicket.

There was, however, no stopping Smith at the other end though as he marched on to his fifty by hitting Ben Stokes for a four in his unique fashion, groping at a length ball hanging miles outside off stump and knocking himself off his feet while driving the ball through the covers.

In the next over, Labuschagne was dismissed and Travis Head joined Smith who was on 60 from 93 balls with the help of seven fours. Head was batting on 18 off 17 balls. He hit three fours in his brief unbeaten stay.

At tea, the Aussies were 170/3 but no play was possible after the break as it rained heavily, allowing only 44 overs to be bowled.

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