Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat in ENG vs AUS 2024 1st ODI

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne notched up a rare feat during their commanding win over England in the first ODI of the five-match series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday, September 19. He became the first cricketer to score a half-century, take three wickets, and take more than three catches in an ODI.

Labuschagne struck in his first over, denying Ben Duckett a ton with a caught and bowled chance, dismissing him for 95. He held on to another caught and bowled chance to get rid of Harry Brook and later dismissed Jofra Archer. Labuschagne, bowling leg-breaks, also took four decisive catches to keep the hosts to 315 in 49.4 overs.

The 30-year-old started slowly with the bat, walking out after the dismissal of Cameron Green. However, Labuschagne hit two fours and a six in the 37th over. It became smooth sailing for Australia from that stage as they coasted home with six overs and seven wickets to spare. Labuschagne finished unbeaten at 77 while Travis Head was not out at 154.

"It was a forced change" - Mitchell Marsh on bowling Marnus Labuschagne

At the post-match presentation, Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh said injuries prompted him to bowl Labuschagne. However, he suggested that the calmness within the Australian camp was most encouraging.

"I'd love to take credit but it was a forced change. And the longer the innings went, we felt pace off was the way to go for us. I think the calmness within the group was great to see, we have a few young guys out here. There is a bit of illness going around in the camp as well. We have a lot of trust in the people out here, hope we can keep winning," he said.

The second ODI will be played in Leeds on Saturday, September 21.