"Get out of my...": Marnus Labuschagne blasted by Matthew Hayden over Mohammed Siraj incident

Legendary Australia batter Matthew Hayden has slammed Marnus Labuschagne for allowing Mohammed Siraj to get into his space during the third Test between Australia and India at Gabba, Brisbane.

The incident happened during the morning session of Day 2 when India were looking to break a solid stand between Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. Mohammed Siraj was bowling with full steam and was desperate for a wicket.

After the 33rd over of the innings, Siraj ran towards the striker's end and switched the bails while Labuschagne looked at him. It was Labuschagne's turn this time as he switched the bails again as Siraj was starting to go back to his bowling run-up.

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Matthew Hayden slams Marnus Labuschagne for allowing Mohammed Siraj to get into his space

When Matthew Hayden was asked about this incident, he had other ideas. The former Australia batter slammed Marnus Labuschagne to allow Mohammed Siraj to get into his space. Hayden was also not pleased with the way Labuschagne paced his innings.

"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,' Hayden said.

Hayden further mentioned that he would not have even allowed Siraj to get closer to the bails let alone switch them. The former Australian cricketer claims to have told Siraj to get out of his space.

"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 was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Marnus Labuschagne dismissed for a low score

Interestingly, the move somehow worked for Mohammed Siraj as Marnus Labuschagne was out for just 12 off 55 balls. Labuschagne hardly looked in rhythm during his innings as his struggle continued. He was dismissed by the allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had him caught at second slip by Virat Kohli.

Marnus Labuschagne is having a disappointing series with the bat so far. He has scored just 81 runs in three Tests at an average of 20.25 with the best of 64. He hasn't been in great form with the bat of late and will be looking to regain form soon.

Previous banter between Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne were involved in banter in the second Test of the series as well. After Labuschagne had moved out at the last minute due to some disturbance in the sightscreen, Siraj threw the ball at him in anger.

The switching of bails have become quite common in cricket ever since Stuart Broad tried it once during an Ashes match. During the Oval Test of the 2023 Ashes, Broad switched the bails and was immediately rewarded in the next ball as he picked up the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. Even India's Virat Kohli has previously tried doing such superstitions.