In 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 inclusion in the starting lineup as a concussion replacement attracted a lot of attention and ended up being crucial.
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 was certain that I would play this game when I arrived since she had a gut sense about it. I informed her that I wasn’t on the team since I had seen it. Again, she’s correct,” Labuschagne was cited by Fox Sports as saying.
What an emotional roller coaster, she watched the entire game: Marnus Labuschagne
It’s also important to note that Marnus Labuschagne entered Australia’s squad in a similar manner in 2019. Labuschagne, an occasional player for the team, was introduced to the starting lineup when Steve Smith was struck in the head with a vicious bouncer by Jofra Archer.
Additionally, Labuschagne duplicated his exploits against South Africa in exactly identical manner. The Australian batter helped his team win the match by forming a strong partnership with Ashton Agar and ensuring that the game was completed. He also disclosed that his mother remained throughout the entire game.
Despite the fact that I wasn’t playing for the first three and a half hours, she stayed for the entire game, Labuschagne stated.
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