Marnus Labuschagne resurrects Australian innings after 'lucky' escapes

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne scored his fifth Test century at the Gabba after the Indians put down two early chances.

Justin Langer and the Aussies are desperate for a win in Brisbane. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Marnus Labuschagne's fifth Test century was the highlight of day one at the Gabba Test, with the match delicately poised at stumps.

The Indians were forced to name an inexperienced bowling attack for the fourth Test after a cluster of injuries hampered their squad.

But the young bowling cartel managed to create early breakthroughs in Brisbane, with Australian openers David Warner (one) and Marcus Harris (five) removed cheaply.

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Steve Smith looked on track to plunder another mammoth total, but was dismissed in bizarre circumstances after the lunch break, spooning a simple catch to mid wicket off the bowling of debutant Washington Sundar.

The hosts were suddenly in dire straits at 3/87, but Labuschagne then combined with Matthew Wade for a critical century stand.

India gifted Labuschagne two extra lives in the afternoon session, with skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara both putting down chances.

Regardless, the 26-year-old Queenslander reached triple figures after the tea break, bringing up the milestone with a firm back-foot punch through the covers.

Labuschagne now holds the record for most Test runs at the Gabba after three innings, bettering Sir Donald Bradman.

Momentum quickly shifted back in India's favour when Wade and Labuschagne both needlessly threw away their wicket in quick succession.

But Australian captain Tim Paine and young gun Cameron Green survived a difficult spell against the second new ball to guide the team to stumps.

Meanwhile, India's casualty ward unfortunately has a new member, with paceman Navdeep Saini leaving the field with a suspected groin strain in the early afternoon.

Australia will resume day two at 5/274, with Green on 28 and Paine on 38.