MIGHTY MARNUS TO FORE

It was yet another Marnus Labuschagne masterclass in Perth last night, with the right-hander’s century anchoring Australia’s innings on day one of the first Test against New Zealand.

MARNUS Labuschagne broke new ground last night as one of the hungriest batsmen in the history of international cricket.

And you only had to check his bulging pockets to prove it.

The biggest batting revelation — and quirkiest character — since Steve Smith, Labuschagne once again outshone his mentor to score his third century in as many Tests and enter the record books as the fourth fastest Australian to 1000 Test runs.

Labuschagne was unbeaten on 110 at stumps, with the Aussies well-placed on 4-248.

His knock anchored the Australian innings, with David Warner (43) and Steve Smith (43) making solid starts but failing to push on.

Run feasts don’t happen on an empty stomach and Labuschagne warmed up for last night’s Kiwi banquet with another cured meat — teammate David Warner revealing that he keeps biltong to snack on in his pockets.

The South African-born Queenslander might still enjoy some comforts from the mother land, but Australia is embracing him as one of its most prolific batsmen.

There’s not many batting records these days that don’t feature Smith, but Labuschagne’s latest hundred means the only Australians to make better starts to a Test career played more than half a century ago.

The Kiwis never stopped coming with Tim Southee taking out Matthew Wade’s offstump with a beautiful lateswinging delivery in the Perth night sky in front of 19,081 fans in Perth.

Australia didn’t have it all their own way on day one of the series with Warner having his golden summer halted by an all-time catch, and Smith falling to another uncharacteristic loose shot.

The world No.2 Kiwis lived up to their tough reputation and never stopped coming.

But they were last night nursing the crushing blow that they have likely lost one of their fast bowling cartel for the match and the series — with debutant Lockie Ferguson breaking down with a calf strain in the second session.