Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne Suffers Injury During Boxing Day Test
The highly anticipated fourth match of the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia, having won the toss, has opted to bat first. This match is crucial for both teams, as the winner will have an easier path to the World Test Championship final. The series has seen its fair share of excitement in the first three matches, and the Melbourne Test has been no exception. A heated exchange between Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne added to the drama, with Labuschagne later suffering an injury after mistaking a low-bounce ball from Siraj.
Labuschagne’s Painful Injury
The Australian team got off to a solid start, courtesy of a 89-run partnership between Sam Constas and Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne, who came in to bat after Kontas’s dismissal, was initially cautious in his approach. However, during the 33rd over of the Australian innings, Mohammed Siraj’s first ball caught Labuschagne off guard, hitting his body and causing a slight injury. The next ball, which hit Labuschagne between his legs, left him in visible pain, prompting him to sit down on his knees on the field. The physios were unable to provide immediate relief for Labuschagne’s injury.
Labuschagne’s Resilient Innings
Despite the injury, Labuschagne continued to bat, eventually completing his half-century and attempting to steer the team towards a substantial score. However, his innings came to an end when he was caught out by Virat Kohli at mid-off while trying to hit a ball from Washington Sundar. Labuschagne’s resilient innings of 72 runs was a testament to his determination and skill.