[Watch] Marnus Labuschagne scores his 1st Test ton in England under high pressure

Australia's No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne finally found form in the ongoing 2023 Ashes series as he stroked a century on day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The right-hander reached there with a single off Moeen Ali's bowling in the 63rd over of the innings. It was also his second overseas ton and first on English soil.

The 29-year-old came on day 3 after the loss of Usman Khawaja and looked focused throughout even as Australia lost David Warner, Steve Smith, and Travis Head in quick succession. The former No. 1 ranked Test batter started the fourth day at 44, with the score at 113-4, trailing by 162 runs.

Due to rain delaying the start, the play started late. However, Mitchell Marsh and Labuschagne looked on point against England's four-pronged pace attack. The South African-born cricketer hammered Joe Root for two sixes in successive overs to get into the 90s.

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Joe Root gets the better of Marnus Labuschagne for England's first wicket of the day

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow appeal for the wicket. (Credits: Getty)

With bad light not allowing England captain Ben Stokes to bowl his seamers, Moeen Ali and Joe Root sent down their off-spin from both ends. Root also threatened Labuschagne before reaching his century, edging one to slip that went for a boundary.

The Yorkshire cricketer got the centurion with the one that bounced a bit and took the edge as Labuschagne looked to cut through point for a boundary. While the umpire remained unmoved, the hosts reviewed it successfully to send Marnus back for 111.

At tea on day 4, Australia were 214-5, trailing by 61 runs. The tourists have clearly been outplayed in the ongoing game despite amicable batting conditions on day 1 as they managed only 317, with plenty of batters getting starts without big scores. The two batters, who put on 103 for the fifth wicket, were also the joint top-scorers in the first innings with 51 each.

However, the hosts cracked 592 in 107.4 overs, taking a massive 275-run lead.