Ashes 2021-22: David Warner, Marnud Labuschagne fifties put Australians on top in Adelaide Test

Ashes Day 1 match report, Australia walk away very happy at 221/2, Jos Buttler drops two catches.

David Warner fell short of his century but Marnus Labuschagne remained on course for a hundred as they put Australia, missing regular skipper Pat Cummins, in a strong position against England in the day-night second Ashes test on Thursday (December 16).

Australia finished day one on 221-2 despite being jolted before the start of the match at Adelaide Oval with Cummins forced out after being identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. With five overs remaining, Jos Buttler dropped a regulation catch off the bowling of James Anderson to offer a reprieve to Labuschagne, who remained not out on 95. Buttler had earlier spilled a tougher chance behind the stumps when Labuschagne was on 21.

An absolute sitter hits the deck as Labuschagne gets another life #Ashes pic.twitter.com/QI3bDaIRRO