Australia’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India have a big omission. One of their best batters in Test cricket, Marnus Labuschagne, was excluded from the squad. The news did not go well with the fans, who criticized the Australian board for their decision. Labuschagne did not have great numbers in ODIs in recent months. But things are to be changed currently, as the Australian batters looked in fine form.
In the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, Labuschagne has had an unreal comeback. The 29-year-old was not even in the playing XI in the first ODI. A concussion test of Cameron Green led to the entry of Marnus in the playing XI of Australia. The visiting side was in deep trouble in the first ODI when Labuschagne entered the middle. Chasing 223, Australia was reduced to 93/6 after 13.5 overs.
Marnus Labuschagne continued his form in the second match also
In came Labuschagne and changed the things for Australia. At the start, Labuschagne played an uncharacteristically aggressive knock, which changed the course of the game. From the other end, Ashton Agar gave enough support and helped his fellow batter to rescue the team from a huge collapse. As a result, Australia claimed an incredible win against South Africa.
The Klerksdrop-born batter played a huge role in the victory of Australia, as he scored an unbeaten 80*(93) in Bloemfontein, which included 8 fours. For his knock, the Australian batter got the Player of the Match award. While some thought it to be a one-off performance, Marnus soon made a statement with his second ODI hundred against South Africa.
In the second ODI of the series at the same venue, the Australian number 4 scored a fabulous hundred and helped his team to post a mammoth total of 392 runs on the board. In his stay in the middle, the World Test Championship winner scored 120 runs in 99 balls, which included 19 fours and a six. Currently, Labuschagne is the leading run scorer in the series against South Africa.
Here's how the fans reacted to labuschagne's comeback -
Marnus deserve Padma Shree award bro
— Bilal Nasir Khan (@BilalNasirKhanI) September 9, 2023
Real generational talent imo
— User45 (@140off113) September 9, 2023
Made a strong statement for the selectors 🔥🔥🔥
— Amrit Chandravanshi (@Ek_Indian07) September 9, 2023
He is Best After Virat Kohli
— Felix Makwana (@felixmakwana) September 9, 2023
Such a Class player Labuchagne
— Md Husnain (@mdrj007) September 9, 2023
Everybody trying their best to get on World Cup Bus.
— The Contest Guy (@BoliMocr) September 9, 2023
bohat bura hua bro pic.twitter.com/OsK8JWjiBg
— Dennis🕸 (@DenissForReal) September 9, 2023
What a fine batsman. Should have been on the plane to India
— Pratik (@fake_engineer7) September 9, 2023
What a show of grit & sheer persistence 💥💥
— Amrit Chandravanshi (@Ek_Indian07) September 9, 2023
Marnus is next big thing from Australia
— I'm_Jawed (@ImJawed2) September 9, 2023