SA vs AUS: "Should We Replace..." - Dinesh Karthik's Hilarious Suggestion As Marnus Labuschagne Plays Match-Winning Knock As Concussion Substitute

Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik came up with a hilarious suggestion after Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne played a match-winning knock for his team against South Africa as a concussion substitute. The keeper-batter also lauded him for his exceptional knock. 

Marnus Labuschagne yet again proved worthy for his team as a concussion substitute. Australia didn’t play him in the first ODI against South Africa. However, Cameron Green got hit on the head and was replaced with Labuschagne. 

Marnus Labuschagne, who hasn’t been named in the Australia squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, came in during a tricky phase. The Mitchell Marsh-led side were tottering and lost early wickets in the chase of 223 runs. They needed stability from someone in the team and Labuschagne did exactly that. 

Marnus Labuschagne played some crisp shots and steadied the innings. He ended with the knock of unbeaten 80 runs that saw Australia win a thrilling game against South Africa and take a 1-0 lead in the series. 

As Marnus Labuschagne played brilliant innings as a concussion substitute, Dinesh Karthik reacted hilariously. He said that concussion should be named as Labuschagne. Taking to his X account, he said: 

“Should we replace the name of concussion substitute as Labuschagne ?”

“Also from not being in the XI to come out and play a match-winning knock is an outstanding effort @marnus3cricket.” 

Should we replace the name of concussion substitute as Labuschagne? ?? https://t.co/gWZrPdCqBi

— DK (@DineshKarthik) September 8, 2023

This was, however, not the first time when Marnus Labuschagne came in as a concussion substitute. The Australian batter replaced Steve Smith during a Test match in Ashes 2019 and since then he hasn’t looked back. 

SA vs AUS: What a rollercoaster – Marnus Labuschagne after his unbeaten 80 against South Africa 

Marnus Labuschagne opened up about his knock against South Africa. He said that his mom told him last night that he’ll play and it actually happened. He also talked about his snub from the Australian team for the ICC World Cup 2023. He explained: 

“What a rollercoaster. It’s a strange thing, my mom was adamant last night I’ll play but I told her I’m not in the team. I’ve had some weird things happen with concussions. (On World Cup snub) I’ve been disappointed with how I played one day cricket, I felt like I really needed to improve and didn’t have the pressure last night going to bed, nice it all came together. 

“(On whether he can still make the WC squad) That’s not my job, whatever happens is out of my control but I’m very happy to get over the line today. Feels special, the support I’ve had from my family, my mom and my grandmom were there even though I wasn’t playing, and the support I get from South African fans whenever I come here is amazing.” 

With the kind of innings he played, Australian selectors would be having a keen eye on him. The deadline for final changes in the squad is September 28.