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Labuschagne leads Australia’s fight on rain-hit Day 1
Marnus Labuschagne batted out 120 balls for his unbeaten 44 to give Australia the edge on the topsy-turvy, rain-hit opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. As the overheads decided to alternate between bright sunshine and gloom, Pakistan bowlers’ inconsistency cost them as they could only manage three wickets by stumps, with 187 runs on the board for Australia.
Shan Masood’s success at the toss made way for Australia to bat first. But much to the chagrin of the visitors, sun shone brightly very soon after overcast conditions welcomed the two skippers at the toss. Pakistan still had an early window of opportunity with the new ball moving around but they didn’t make it count as they fluffed a straightforward chance that came their way as early as the third over. David Warner was expertly squared up by a Shaheen Afridi delivery but Abdullah Shafique dropped a sitter at slips. The grey clouds cleared out and the two Aussie openers got rather comfortable and began to pick quick runs after the drinks break.
They were all set to head to Lunch without any damage when, against the run of play, Agha Salman had Warner nicking to slip. This time there was no reprieve as Babar Azam completed the catch. When play resumed post Lunch, the gloomy conditions were back and batting became a struggle. With Khawaja departing early in the second session, Australia had two of their best grafters in the face of such adversity – Labuschagne and Steve Smith – to navigate past a period where the ball swung consistently and brought a densely-populated slip cordon into the game.
Shaheen Afridi kept the two batters on their toes but they too didn’t budge and perish to the pressures of the passage of play that saw them score just six runs off 57 balls since Khawaja’s exit. It looked like a reward for their tight bowling was round the corner for Pakistan, but what came instead was rain that ended the session early, with only 15.3 overs played in it.
When action finally resumed for the final session, the Pakistan quicks were in play again as they kept beating the outside edge of Smith’s bat. The former captain struggled as Aamer Jamal constantly tested his resolve with an outside offstump line, inviting him to drive. The ball that brought Smith’s wicket was closer to the off-stump as the Aussie batter looked to defend it after shuffling across. There wasn’t too much of an appeal from the keeper but Jamal was convinced and pushed Masood to take a review. That proved to be an excellent decision as replays showed a faint spike on the snickometer, sending Smith packing for a 75-ball 26.
Travis Head copped a full toss on his shoulder from Afridi and a ball – the very next one – that cut him in half and nearly took out the top of off-stump but the left-hander survived. He kept Labuschagne company for the next 8.1 overs till stumps. It was a day of missed opportunities for Pakistan as inconsistency from their pacers meant they only had three wickets to show for at the end of it.
Brief Scores:
Australia 187/3 in 66 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 44*, Usman Khawaja 42, David Warner 38, Steven Smith 26; Agha Salman 1-5) vs Pakistan
(Cricbuzz)
Thirty-six (36) naval personnel completed an eight-month Basic Marine Qualification Course and received their Marine insignia at the main parade ground of SLNS Vidura in Sampur, Trincomalee today, (29 August 2026).
At the invitation of Commandant SLNS Vidura, Captain Ravindu Harischandra, the ceremony was graced by Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Eastern Naval Area.
The group, comprising 3 officers and 33 sailors, completed the 10th intake of the Basic Marine Qualification Course, after volunteering for the demanding training programme.
In recognition of exceptional performance during the training, trophies were presented to outstanding personnel. Lieutenant (S) VPA Sasanka was awarded trophies for Best Marine of the Course, Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects, and Best Marksman.
Physical Training Instructor WMGDP Bandara received the trophy for Best Physical Fitness. Addressing the newly qualified personnel,
Rear Admiral Liyanagamage congratulated them on successfully completing the course. He urged them to use the skills and experience gained through their training to contribute to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also called on them to apply the courage and determination developed during the course both in their professional and personal lives, and to remain prepared to meet any challenge faced by the country.
He stressed the importance of keeping their knowledge and training up to date and maintaining constant vigilance while carrying out their duties.
Rear Admiral Liyanagamage also expressed his appreciation to
the Commanding Officer of SLNS Vidura and the directing staff for their contribution to the successful completion of the course.
The insignia ceremony also included a demonstration showcasing the capabilities and skills of the Sri Lanka Navy Marine.
Rear Admiral Achala Silva, Director General Logistics; Rear Admiral Kusal Dissanayake, Commandant Naval Infantry; Commodore Sanjeewa Kodikara, Director Marine; officers
from Navy Headquarters and the Eastern Naval Area; senior officers from the Army, Air Force and Police; and parents of the newly passed out marine personnel attended the ceremony.
Water levels in the lake which formed amid the debris of the landslide in Tibet are rising once again, according to Chinese state media.
There is a continued risk of secondary mudslides or landslides, the report adds.
The command team in charge of rescue efforts around Gyirong port, the main land border between Nepal and Tibet, have launched drones and set up observations posts to monitor the slopes and provide an early warning system to rescuers working nearby.
Search teams are making the most of a short weather window to try to find survivors.
Work is also underway to try to re-open the road.
(Aljazeera)
More than 600 people have died following Wednesday’s devastating flash flood in Nepal.
An update from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirms the figure as 626 and the number of people missing as 2,426, as rescue operations continue for the fourth day
Emergency teams are warning that rain is making it difficult to reach some of the worst affected areas, our correspondent in Trishuli writes
Families of the missing – including at least 517 foreign nationals – are waiting for news on the whereabouts of their loved ones
(Aljazeera)
Thirty-six naval personnel pass out on successful completion of Marine training
Ex-White House teleprompter operator ordered to pay $172,000 for Trump speech bets
Rescuers on high alert for signs of secondary landslides
More than 600 killed in Nepal flood as search for survivors enters fourth day
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