Marnus Labuschagne seemingly taking a nap was one of the highlights of the just-concluded ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final between Australia and India at The Oval.
During the third day’s play, India pacer Mohammed Siraj bowled a perfect length delivery and Australian opener David Warner got a thick edge which carried through to KS Bharat behind the stumps.
While Warner was making his way back for 1, cameras captured Labuschagne with his feet up and eyes closed in the dressing room. However, he got up quickly and walked in to bat at No. 3 for Australia.
After Australia’s title-clinching victory, Labuschagne clarified that he wasn’t sleeping in the dressing room.
“To set the record straight, I was in fact awake and just keeping calm,” Labuschagne said in his recent newsletter, Beyond The Bat.
“I’ve actually written in a previous newsletter about the idea of having a limited amount of focus, and the importance of switching on and off whilst at the crease to conserve that focus. This is the same when you’re off the field — if you’re sitting in the stands watching every ball, focusing intently on what’s going on, it’s just going to drain you. So I thought I’d rest my eyes and come out with a relaxed, clear mind. I had a good laugh at the footage though,” he added.
Talking about the WTC final result, Australia registered a crushing 209-run victory over India on Sunday (June 11).
Chasing 444 to win, India were 164/3 at the close of play on Day 4 and needed 280 runs on the fifth and final day to bag the title. However, the Indian batting line-up crumbled in the very first session to be bundled out for 234.
The batting collapse began when Virat Kohli chased a wide delivery from Scott Boland, handing a catch to Steve Smith at second slip. The remaining six wickets fell inside the next 55 runs.
“Scotty obviously bowled incredibly well. He’s one of the most accurate, consistent bowlers I’ve ever seen. Ball after ball, he hits the right line and length and gives you nothing as a batter,” Labuschagne wrote.
“It creates a lot of pressure and forces batters to play at balls they’d normally leave, in an effort to get off strike and get the scoreboard moving. That’s exactly what happened with Virat in the second innings. Scott was hitting a very tight channel for a few overs, and then had the skill to push that delivery a few inches wider than the previous deliveries and got the edge. It’s fantastic to watch.”
Earlier, Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121) led the foundation of Australia’s victory with stunning centuries. The duo was involved in a 251-run partnership, propelling the team to a massive 469 in the first innings.
“Travis and Steve obviously took charge on day one and set the game up for us. To lose the toss and then go on to put on 450+ on a difficult wicket is a huge credit to the way they played. They both batted beautifully and put a lot of pressure back on the bowlers with their intent and rate at which they scored,” wrote Labuschagne.
Australia’s next assignment is the five-match Ashes Test series against England, beginning June 16 at Edgbaston.
“For today though, I’m going to get some rest… and yes, without the Mohammed Siraj alarm clock this time around,” Labuschagne concluded.
(The Indian Express Inputs)
