Watch: Marnus Labuschagne predicts Virat Kohli's dismissal exactly spot on

In a thrilling twist of fate, Marnus Labuschagne’s prediction about Virat Kohli's dismissal became a reality during the first innings of the ongoing first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22.

Marnus Labuschagne had a sharp instinct about Virat Kohli’s vulnerability, and Josh Hazlewood made it happen with pinpoint precision. The Australian star had predicted that Kohli would soon nick off a delivery, and in the very next ball, the ace pacer made it happen, sending the Indian batting legend back to the pavilion for just 5 runs off 12 balls in Perth.

Marnus Labuschagne's instincts are spot-on as Josh Hazlewood dismisses Virat Kohli in the Perth Test

Josh Hazlewood delivered the perfect delivery in the 17th over that saw the Indian legend nicking one off the back foot. Virat Kohli, who had already been struggling with the bat, was dismissed for another poor score, leaving the touring camp in shock as they were in deep trouble against Australia.

Read Also: Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal reaches 1st 100 in Australia with a 6; gets standing ovation from Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir

The Australian pacer exploited the bounce to perfection at the Optus Stadium as the former Indian captain was caught out by Usman Khawaja at first slip in the first innings. Kohli had been eager to get forward with every delivery, but Josh Hazlewood changed his length, delivering a short ball that rose sharply, catching Kohli off guard in the ongoing Perth Test.

The Indian batter was on the front foot, and the ball found the edge of his bat, flying comfortably to Usman Khawaja at first slip, and he didn’t make any mistake to send a big fish back into the pavilion. Kohli was caught in an awkward position, unable to handle the bounce, leaving India in trouble.

He's just going to nick it off the back: Labuschagne predicts Virat Kohli's downfall

It was a big wicket for the Australian cricket team, and Labuschagne’s keen observation proved crucial, as the Australian bowlers stuck to their plan, dragging their length to perfection and getting the success, as the Indian team was bowled out for 150 runs in the first innings in Perth.

In a viral video on X, Marnus Labuschagne was heard saying, “All we need to do now is just drag our length. Like, hold our length, and he's (Virat Kohli) just going to nick it off the back.”

Marnus Labuschagne the most funniest cricketer in the world😭😭 pic.twitter.com/DUrPRp9fqV

— Schrödinger (@srhnation) November 23, 2024

Marnus Labuschagne gets a lifeline in the first innings in Perth

Earlier, Virat Kohli missed a crucial chance to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne on a duck. After the early wicket of Nathan McSweeney, Labuschagne stepped up to the crease at a tense moment. India had the perfect opportunity to capitalize, but Kohli let the ball slip through his hands at second slip.

Read Also: "Sit down Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the Real Prince"- Twitter reacts to maiden Test ton in Australia

The delivery from Jasprit Bumrah found Labuschagne’s edge, and the catch seemed to be a simple one for one of India’s best fielders, Virat. However, the ball escaped his grasp and fell to the ground, giving the Australian batter a lifeline against India.

Both Bumrah and KL Rahul were certain the wicket was theirs, even beginning to celebrate, but Kohli quickly signaled his mistake and apologized to his teammates. Bumrah was seen disappointed, as India’s chances to build pressure on the hosts slipped away.