Khopdi Tod Saa*e Ki: Fans React As Marnus Labuschagne Stars Once Again As Concussion Substitute, Powers Australia To Stunning Win

Marnus Labuschagne, on Thursday (September 7), starred with the bat to power Australia to a stunning win over South Africa in the first ODI of the five-match series. Not a part of Australia’s provisional World Cup squad, Marnus Labuschagne was not a part of the playing eleven for the game either.

He was also not a part of the squad for the ongoing series and only earned a recall after Steve Smith was ruled out with a wrist injury. However, the right-handed batsman received a huge lifeline to impress the Australian team-management and selectors after Cameron Green suffered a concussion. And Marnus Labuschagne grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he sent a timely reminder to the selectors ahead of the World Cup.

The middle-order batsman replaced Green in the Australia XI midway through their run chase after the allrounder was struck on the head by a Kagiso Rabada bouncer and was later substituted out of the match with concussion. Australia were in all sorts of trouble when Marnus Labuschagne came out to bat in what could have been his only ODI appearance ahead of the World Cup.

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Marnus Labuschagne stars with the bat:

Chasing a modest total of 223, Australia were reeling at 72 for 5 and soon found themselves 7 down for just 113 runs. A defeat was looking imminent for the visitors but Marnus Labuschagne had other ideas. Desperate to impress the selectors for a World Cup spot, the 29-year old played one of the best knocks of his ODI career to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for his side.

Marnus Labuschagne hit the ground running as he hit as many as six boundaries in the first 21 balls he faced. He went on to complete a fighting fifty in 47 balls and remained unbeaten on 80 from 93 balls. The South Africa-born cricketer shared an unbeaten stand of 112 runs with Ashton Agar for the 8th wicket as Australia crossed the finishing line in the 41st over. Agar remained unbeaten on 48.

As Marnus Labuschagne played another famous knock after coming on as a concussion substitute, the fans quickly recalled the 2019 Ashes Test at Lord’s when he replaced Steve Smith and hit the ground running. He scored a fine fifty in that Test and has not looked back in the red-ball format since then.

Here are some of the reactions to Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive display:

No context. pic.twitter.com/rzljC4Uz8t

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) September 7, 2023

My only strategy against Australia will be to make sure we don't give anyone a concussion. pic.twitter.com/P32d7xfbio

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) September 7, 2023

Marnus Labuschagne on bench as soon as a batter gets hit on helmet. pic.twitter.com/D8PpqjPTOp

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) September 7, 2023

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE – THE BEST CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTE….!!!

A match-winning knock of 80* in 93 balls with 8 fours. Won it for Australia after they were 113/8. A champion performance by Labuschagne! pic.twitter.com/y72S75h2ab

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 7, 2023

*Marnus Labuschagne*
In rest of the When someone game gets hit on head#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/QfBydx7qkJ

— Rishabh (@Pun_Intended___) September 7, 2023

Marnus Labuschagne created history :

He become the first ever player to be come in the xi as concussion substitute twice and hit half centuries both times.

Labuschagne is the best ever concussion replacement in the World. pic.twitter.com/mLCDnTbuZT

— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) September 7, 2023