Marnus Labuschagne

Winning the toss has helped Australia, but for a type of side rarely seen on home soil, a fascinating four days still lie ahead.

"It's a luxury we have [ahead of India]," Cummins said of the twin spin option. "It's something that happens by accident, it's not something we are actively pursuing," he said. "This [pitch] is probably as close as we're going to get to India here in Australia. "Think it shows clearly the hole that he leaves in a side. It felt like something of a risk to put all the pace bowling in the hands of two. And even if he is, the preparation may not have been ideal. Australia are hopeful that Green will be available from the start of the series in India, but that is still not certain. After Steve Waugh had left the scene, Warne and Stuart MacGill were paired at the SCG but by then Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds were part of the team - the latter, like Miller, able to slip between seam-up and offspin. While 2016-17 was the last time Australia had played two frontline spinners in a home Test - when One of the traditions of the New Year Test is to debate the use of two spinners. [1998-99 Test against England](https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-australia-1998-99-61732/australia-vs-england-5th-test-63818/full-scorecard)included Colin Miller, who opened bowling seam-up before switching to offspin. Leaving aside their brittle batting for a moment, it actually felt like South Africa had the better balance of attack with Simon Harmer included alongside Keshav Maharaj and three specialist quicks.

AUS vs SA 3rd Test: Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne is renowned for being eccentric on the cricket pitch. He was back in his groove on Day 1 of the ...

Follow AUS vs SA 3rd Test LIVE Updates with INSIDESPORT.IN Australia finished the day at 147/2. He then continued to bat in his distinct manner. In the Sydney Test, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. AUS vs SA 3rd Test: Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne is renowned for being eccentric on the cricket pitch. AUS vs SA 3rd Test: Marnus Labuschagne asking for a cigarette lighter, Watch Video, Follow for LIVE Updates

Labuschagne on the replay: "Some of the ball is touching the grass, regardless of whether [Harmer's] fingers are under it or not"

"It always makes you very angry as a batter when you get out and everyone walks with you off the field," Labuschagne said. "The soft signal on-field doesn't matter anymore, whereas before it did," Labuschagne said. "Richard [Kettleborough] really had a tough job with that one, particularly because the camber of the ground slopes away. "Especially that side-on angle, makes it look really bad, then the front-on angle actually looks pretty good. "Simon was convinced it was straight. But they could at least sleep a little easier knowing it had not been hugely costly thanks to the persistence of [Anrich Nortje](http://www.espncricinfo.com/player/anrich-nortje-481979).

Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed from what proved to be the final delivery of a gloomy day at the SCG, as debate again surfaced about halting play due to ...

"What it should be and how it should be, that's not up to us, but at a stage it can get a bit unsafe if the ball's maybe a bit harder and you're coming in with two guys who are bowling quickly. "So it's quite tough and I think it's probably more dangerous for the fielders because you just can't see it square of the wicket and in the slips, whereas the batters you've got a sightscreen and a white back drop to get the best chance." "It's tough because it was really dark at stages," Nortje said at day's end, with Australia 2-147 and the SCG pitch already showing a propensity to take serious spin. "The reality is it's got to be safe, and when you've got two fast-bowling teams you can't be out there when it's too dark," Labuschagne said at the end of a day where he was dismissed from what proved to be the ultimate delivery before umpires again deemed it too gloomy to continue. "But at the end of the day, he (Nortje) bowled a really good set there and backed it up, bowled four or five balls in the same spot and that one just kicked. "I should have done it before I went out to bat, but as soon as I got out there and I looked and saw it straight away, especially when the lights were on.

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne used a cigarette lighter to burn some material off his helmet during the third Test against South Africa at the Sydney ...

"Simon was convinced it was straight. Labuschagne is currently the number one ranked batter in Test cricket and he scored 79 off 151 balls before getting caught behind off Anrich Nortje to the final ball of day one. "If there's no TV then I'm walking, that's just how the game works. "I presume he didn't want a quick dart in the break," joked Fox Sports commentator Mark Howard. However, after much deliberation, Kettleborought gave Labuschagne a reprieve with the decision splitting opinion. During a break in play, Labuschagne could be seen miming a lighter and smoking while also pointing to his helmet.

Australia are 147/2 at the end of day one of the third test, having already wrapped up the series win.

Marnus Labuschagne has once again raised eyebrows not just for his cricketing ability but for another interesting moment in the middle — and he's explained ...

So I just try to make sure I burn it off.” Does he want a cigarette?” Labuschagne has been noted for his hilarious actions in the field where he’s regularly used in close fielding positions to natter along close to the batter. What does he want? “That was the most remarkable signal I’ve seen in world cricket for a cigarette lighter for a non-smoker.” Known for his excited antics in the field and even talking to himself when batting, Labuschagne has delivered another hilarious moment on day one of the third Test.

Marnus Labuschagne has weighed in on the farcical scenes that took place on the opening day of the third Test at the SCG. Read more here.

Marnus Labuschagne is adamant he wasn't out but secret footage shows the third umpire made a blunder and he should have been dismissed. 2 min read.

“With the amount of slow motion footage you see, you see his fingers push and split open. Third 100 in a row for Usman Khawaja at the SCG. “Simon was convinced it went straight in. It was just one of those ones. The Ussie dance celebration is the best! We were convinced it’s out.” I think it would have been a big one at that stage. But asked if he was out Labuschagne responded: “No, clearly not. I was still batting. Clark led Australian to two ODI World Cup triumphs. The bronze statue was unveiled at the SCG on Thursday and Clark was on hand to see herself immortalised. The Aussie batsman surpassed the great Donald Bradman as he brought up the milestone, and he did it with a fantastic pull shot after the South Africans brought up the field and forced him to hit over the top to secure his century.