"Would have told him to get out of my space" - Ex-Aussie player lashes out at Labuschagne for dismissal post bail switch in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden criticized Marnus Labuschagne following his brief altercation with Mohammed Siraj on Day 2 (Sunday, December 15) of the third Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. The right-handed batter fell for the India pacer's mind games as the duo were involved in a bail-switching action, which led to the former's dismissal soon after.
During a phase of play where India were desperate to break the patient stand between Steve Smith and Labuschagne, Siraj continued to run towards the batter after delivering the ball in the 33rd over. He then switched the bails right in front of Labuschagne, who reverted it the way they were right after the bowler turned.
The bail-switching superstitious hack has been a common trend among fielding sides to inspire a turnaround in fortunes. Virat Kohli and Stuart Broad have implemented the action on several occasions, with the latter's act playing a role in Labuschagne's dismissal in the Oval Test during the 2023 Ashes.
Hayden remarked that Labuschagne should not have permitted Siraj to get into his personal space and carry out such tricks.
"He saw 55 deliveries, has had no go forward whatsoever. Even that little exchange, if it was me at the crease and a bowler does that. I am not caring less. I'm not even looking at the bowler. I'm not acknowledging what he's doing one bit. He's nowhere near my space. In fact, I probably would have told him to get out of my space before he even got to the bails," Hayden said on commentary (via Hindustan Times).
Siraj and Labuschagne were involved in an exchange during the second Test in Adelaide as well. The pacer had hurled the ball towards the batter after he pulled out at the last moment due to a disturbance around the sightscreen.
Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy the very next over
The No. 3 batter's laborious knock came to an end in the very next over after he tried to play a lavish drive off a wide out-swinging delivery. Nitish Kumar Reddy was able to get the outside edge with his gentle pace and swing while Virat Kohli took a routine catch in the slip cordon.
Labuschagne perished after scoring 12 runs off 55 deliveries. Australia have yet to lose a wicket since then, with Travis Head and Steve Smith putting on 159 runs for the fourth wicket. The score read 243-3 after 70 overs at Tea Break in Brisbane.