Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne had a sensational 2019. He is a leading run-scorer in the current calendar year. The right-hander continued his top-quality form against New Zealand at Boxing Day Test.
The 25-year-old was looking to set another triple-figure score on Day 1 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) but was clean bowled by Colin de Grandhomme for 63 runs in the most bizarre fashion.
Labuschagne tried to leave the ball at the very last moment, but he failed to do so and ended up elbowing the ball into the stumps. It wasn’t an excellent delivery, but it dropped on a perfect spot.
**Elbowed on! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/UaC515y2Ct
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2019
Labuschagne is the only player to score 1000-plus Test runs in the current calendar year (1085). He has clubbed three centuries and seven half-centuries in this period.
Meanwhile, at the close of the opening day, Steve Smith’s unbeaten 77 put Australia back on the driving seat after the early blows. Middle-order batsman Travis Head was not out on 25.
The Aussie team has reached 257 for the loss of four wickets at stumps.