"The most selfish batter ever to wear the baggy green" - Fans react to Marnus Labuschagne 52-ball 2-run knock in BGT 2024-25 1st Test
Australia's top order batter Marnus Labuschagne failed to make an impact on Day 1 (Friday, November 22) of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test against India in Perth. He struggled to get going, eventually finishing with just two runs off 52 deliveries.
Labuschagne didn't look at ease against India's disciplined pace bowling during his stay in the middle. His scratchy knock finally ended in the 21st over after being given LBW off Mohammed Siraj's bowling.
It is worth mentioning that Labuschagne toiled for 52 deliveries and ended up with a dismal strike rate of 3.85. The 30-year-old's approach bewildered many fans, some taking to social media to express their displeasure
Here are some of the top reactions to Marnus Labuschagne's batting:
Certain fans slammed Labuschagne for his lack of intent during his innings.
"That Labuschagne innings needs to be investigated." wrote a fan.
"I just put more effort into trying to type Labuschagne then Marnus did trying to score runs…" commented another.
"Labuschagne is the most selfish batter ever to wear the baggy green. He should’ve been dropped 2 years ago." chimed in yet another.
India won the toss and chose to bat first in the Perth Test. However, the decision backfired, as the visitors were bundled out for a paltry score of 150 in the first innings. Despite the low total, the Jasprit Bumrah-led side stepped up to deliver a sensational performance with the ball, running through Australia's top order.
Marnus Labuschagne got a big reprieve early in his innings on Day 1 of Perth Test
Marnus Labuschagne would have bagged a duck in Australia's first innings of the Perth Test, if not for a missed opportunity. Jasprit Bumrah succeeded in inducing the outside edge of Labuschagne's bat and the ball flew towards the slip cordon.
However, Virat Kohli failed to grab a straightforward chance, giving Labuschagne a big reprieve. The dropped catch didn't prove to be too costly for the Indian team as the Australian batter departed after scoring just two runs.
Australia finished 67/7 after 27 overs at stumps. Skipper Bumrah produced an inspired spell, bagging four wickets. Mohammed Siraj claimed two wickets, while debutant Harshit Rana got the better of the dangerous Travis Head.