Labuschagne records highest score for Concussion substitute in first ODI against South Africa
With the first of five ODIs, South Africa and Australia started their current multi-format series. The game’s high point, despite Australia’s emphatic triumph, was something entirely different. Marnus Labuschagne’s inclusion in the starting lineup as a concussion replacement attracted a lot of attention and ended up being crucial.
Marnus Labuschagne scores 80* off 93 balls
All-rounder Cameron Green took a searing bouncer from Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada that struck him in the head as Australia attempted to chase down a goal of 223 runs. After taking a significant blow to the helmet, Green was unable to continue, and Labuschagne was introduced as a concussion replacement in situations that were remarkably similar to those of his illustrious debut.
In the opening ODI of the series, Labuschagne shone with the bat, scoring 80* runs in 93 deliveries to lead his team to a stunning victory. In addition, the outstanding Australian batter came forward after the game to say that his mother had informed him he would play even though he wasn’t in the starting lineup.
“She had a feeling, she was adamant when I came here that I was going to play this game. I told her, ‘I’ve seen the team mum, I’m not in the team.’ Once again, she’s right,” Labuschagne was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
She stayed for the whole game, what a roller coaster: Marnus Labuschagne
Also worth noting is how Marnus Labuschagne was introduced into Australia’s lineup in 2019. After Steve Smith was struck in the head by a vicious bouncer from Jofra Archer, Labuschagne, an occasional member of the team, was inserted into the starting lineup.
Labuschagne also replicated his feats of bravery against South Africa in a similar manner. The Australian batter helped his team win the match by forming an outstanding partnership with Ashton Agar and seeing the game through to the end. He also disclosed that his mum watched the game through to the end.
“She stayed for the whole game, even though I wasn’t playing for the first three-and-a-half hours, what a roller coaster,” Labuschagne said.
Thank you for reading.
