Marnus Labuschagne, primarily known for his batting, stepped up with the ball during the 1st ODI between England and Australia at Nottingham on Thursday (September 19). Despite being a part-time bowler, Labuschagne’s leg-spin proved highly effective, as he claimed two vital wickets in quick succession. His breakthrough came at a critical juncture, removing England’s top scorer, Ben Duckett, just as he was closing in on a well-deserved century. Labuschagne’s clever variations and his ability to extract something from the pitch gave Australia a much-needed shift in momentum.

Ben Duckett’s heartbreaking dismissal at 95

Duckett’s dismissal was the turning point of the match. Batting with composure and elegance, Duckett had constructed a superb innings, scoring 95 runs from 91 deliveries with 11 fours, setting a solid platform for England at 213/2. Just as Duckett was on the verge of reaching three figures, Labuschagne delivered a short ball outside off-stump, which held up on the pitch. In an attempt to drive the ball, Duckett mistimed it and ended up spooning a simple catch back to the bowler. Labuschagne gleefully accepted the catch, celebrating the prized wicket as Duckett was left in disbelief. His dismissal came at a crucial time for England, slowing down their run rate and leaving them 213/3 in the 33rd over.

Here’s the video:

Labuschagne gets Duckett for 95 with a simple caught and bowled! 😲 pic.twitter.com/OPLeQ075yA

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 19, 2024

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Marnus Labuschagne’s game-changing spell

Labuschagne’s wicket of Duckett wasn’t a one-off stroke of luck. He followed it up by removing Harry Brook soon after, reducing England to 232/4. In just two overs, Labuschagne changed the complexion of the match, finishing with figures of 2/18. His second wicket, Brook, who had been playing aggressively with 39 runs off 31 balls, was another important scalp that halted England’s charge. Brook misjudged a delivery that stuck in the pitch. Attempting to play an aggressive shot, he ended up popping a simple return catch to Labuschagne, who reacted swiftly to take the catch by his bootstraps.

England’s batting progress against Australia

Though Duckett’s departure was a setback, England still had firepower to drive their innings forward. At the time of Labuschagne’s intervention, England had reached 240/4 in 36 overs. Duckett’s partnership with Will Jacks (62 off 56 balls) had earlier taken England to 168/2. Now, with Jamie Smith (9*) and Liam Livingstone (6*) at the crease, the hosts will be looking to regain momentum and aim for a competitive total closer to 350. However, Labuschagne’s key wickets mean Australia will feel they are still in with a strong chance of restricting England in the final phase of the innings.

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