Australia ended day two of the SCG Test on 166/2 in reply to England's 384.
The all-rounder didn't like what Labuschagne had to say, and the two exchanged a lot of hand-waving until Stokes wrapped his arm around the Australian star's shoulders.
The event occurred on the final ball of the 29th over, when Travis Head struck Stokes for a boundary with a delivery that dipped down leg. The England skipper was plainly upset by the wayward ball and chirped something at the left-handed hitter, only to be met with verbal volleys in return.
After Stokes picked up his cap from the on-field umpire, Labuschagne joined in and began speaking to Stokes. As the Head and the two on-field umpires observed, the two exchanged words.
Then Labuschagne saw Stokes approach him and briefly squeezed his shoulder. Things didn't get worse as the two parted ways.
Given the aggression with which Stokes charged at Labuschagne, former Australian batter Mark Waugh, who was on air at the time, stated that he believed Stokes would put Labuschagne in a headlock.
Additionally, he claimed that Stokes might not have been pleased with Head and Labuschagne's complaints about the dim lighting and their desire to leave the field.
“Ben Stokes is having a crack at the batter and saying, ‘What do you want to go off for?’ Oh! A little bit of confrontation. Just thought he'd get him in a headlock there,” said Waugh on air.
On the other hand, former Australian pacer Brett Lee said, “You wouldn't want to mess with Ben Stokes.”
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Australia ended day two on 166/2 in reply to England’s 384. Joe Root top-scored with 160, while Harry Brook made 84 and Jamie Smith made 46. Michael Neser took 4/60, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland took two wickets each.
Travis Head remained unbeaten on 91, while Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 48 runs. Ben Stokes had taken both the Aussie wickets to fall.