Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne gifted his wicket to veteran England pacer James Anderson on the third day of the ongoing second Ashes 2023 Test match at the Lord’s.
Advertisement
Having survived several close appeals on either side of the tea break, Labuschagne couldn’t make the most of Ben Stokes‘ leniency which comprised not challenging one umpiring decision which would’ve reversed the decision in a Stuart Broad over.
Not in the best of forms, Labuschagne couldn’t believe getting out in the way he did. With Anderson also yet to find top form in the series, he, too, picked a wicket only for the third time across four innings.
Marnus Labuschagne Gifts Wicket To James Anderson At Lord’s
It all happened on the first delivery of the 41st over when Labuschagne cut a harmless delivery from Anderson in the air. England batter Harry Brook, whose dismissal in the morning session drew severe criticism, didn’t err as a fielder today. Stationed at backward point, Brook completed a straightforward catch as England dismissed the second Australian batter in the second innings.
🎶 Oh Jimmy Jimmy… 🎶
Marnus Labuschagne gone for 3️⃣0️⃣! #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/NjgTY3AE2n
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2023
In the general run of things, one would expect Labuschagne to punish a short and wide delivery but it wasn’t to be on this particular occasion. Coming in to bat at No. 3 in the 25th over, the right-handed batter lasted in the middle for 16 overs before departing for 30 (51) including five fours.
Marnus Labuschagne Last 10 Test Innings
Ranked third in MRF Tyres ICC Rankings for batters in Test cricket, Labuschagne averages 54.63 after 70 innings in the format. Having said that, as far as his last 10 Test innings are concerned, he has scored 282 runs at an average of 38.63 including a half-century against India in Ahmedabad. Readers must note that all of Labuschagne’s five Tests in this period have come away from home.
