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Australian batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne is known for his consistency with the bat and antics on the field. From his unique tricks of leaving the ball to over-enthusiastic appeals on the ground, Labuschagne leaves no chance to entertain his fans.
In fact, Labuschagne’s mannerisms occasionally are quite similar to his teammate Steve Smith particularly the act of shouting ‘no run’, which has become a trademark for both these batters. However, sometimes these things don’t go as planned, and evidence of such was on display on the opening day of the ongoing fifth Ashes Test against England at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
It all happened during the 23rd over of Australia’s first innings bowled by Stuart Broad when Labuschagne lost his wicket in probably one of the most weirdest fashions. Broad bowled a full middle-stump delivery, but the batter shuffled outside off way too much. Labuschagne lost his balance and fell on the track as the red cherry smashed into the stumps.
Even the commentators couldn’t believe the comical incident that led to Labuschagne’s dismissal, looking set at 44.
“I have never ever seen this in Test cricket. The opening session of a Test match … he just falls over, he trips over his own feet,” said former England skipper Michael Vaughan on Fox Cricket.
“I’ve never ever seen this in cricket, let alone Test cricket. On the first session of a Test match. He’s got that left foot (so far across), he goes over because it slips, but where was he going!?” he added.
Ex-Australian all-rounder Michael Hussey echoed Vaughan’s words and said: “That is one of the most bizarre dismissals you’ll ever see in Test cricket.”
Here is the video:
One of the weirdest dismissals we've ever seen! 😱#Ashes pic.twitter.com/8Qp5rKprn8
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 14, 2022
Travis Head makes the headlines with a stunning century
The dismissal of Labuschagne ended a crucial 71-run partnership with Travis Head as the duo controlled the things when Aussies had lost three wickets for just 12 runs. After Labuschagne, Head formed another vital stand with Cameron Green to take the hosts out of hot waters.
Head, who was making his comeback after missing the previous game, shined with the bat and smashed another century in the ongoing series. The left-handed batter scored 101 off 113 balls, including 12 boundaries, before Chris Woakes dismissed him. Head and Green added 121 runs for the fifth wicket to ensure the hosts’ comeback after a shaky start.
Green was the last Aussie wicket to fall on Day 1 as Australia scored 241/6 at stumps. Green made a brilliant 74 off 109 deliveries before Mark Wood sent him back to the pavilion.
