Highlight
Despite Ben Stokes’ bouncer, Marnus Labuschagne congratulated himself.
It was on the first day of the second Test between Australia and England in Adelaide.
It was captured on stump-mic and had the commentators in splits.
The 36th over of Australia’s first innings saw it happen. Ben Stokes threw a bouncer for England. Before he could thank the bowler, Labuschagne said, “Well done, Marnus!” before nodding and patting himself on the back.
Marnus Labuschagne is an intriguing person. With Labuschagne in the crease, there is never a dull moment. You can watch him bat and laugh at the same time. He has a unique style, and it’s equally entertaining to see him throw his body in different ways when the ball is out of his hands. During Thursday’s cricket match, the Australian right-hander found a new method to leave cricket fans and analysts in stitches. On the first day of the second Ashes Test between Australia and England in Adelaide, Labuschagne commended himself for his management of a Ben Stokes bouncer.
The 36th over of Australia’s first innings saw it happen. Ben Stokes threw a bouncer for England. Labuschagne ducked perfectly under the ball and immediately congratulated the bowler before nodding and patting himself on the back.
The stump-mic picked up Marnus’ self-congratulatory screams. Cricketaustralia.com.au released a video of the commentators having a good time.
There were also several hits for the pitcher. The day-night pink-ball Test began on a positive note for Australia with the batsman unbeaten on 95 at stumps on the first day. With Labuschagne and Smith in the middle, Australia was 221/2.
For 275 balls, Labuschagne persevered and struck out seven fours. Australia’s No. 4 had a little help from the gods as well. Towards the end of the day’s play, he was bowled over by James Anderson and dropped by Jos Buttler. He was listening to 95.
Labuschagne said, “A few prayers up there because I don’t know how that happened.”
“It’s my job to capitalize on the disbelief because I gave him a chance… I need to make sure there are no slacks tomorrow.”
Before Warner and Labuschagne shared 172 for the second wicket, the tourists had an early breakthrough with Broad taking Marcus Harris for three.
Warner appeared to be on his way to a 25th Test century when he began to open his bat, but he was caught by Broad off Ben Stokes in the nervous 90s for the second Test in a row.
