Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne (Credits: Getty)

The bouncer continues to haunt Australia in the ongoing Ashes. This time around one of their own bowlers, Mitchell Starc – gave them a lot to worry about. Marnus Labuschagne was struck on the grille by a vicious Mitchell Starc bouncer during a net session on Tuesday. The setback came just an hour after Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test with concussion.

Australia are already paying a big price for a bouncer as their batting mainstay – Smith – would not play in the Leeds Test. Smith was floored by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the first innings of the second Test. He had to leave the field immediately but came out to bat again. However, he was concussed out on day five and was replaced by Marnus Labuschagne.

Read More: West Indies vs India 2019: 1st Test, Antigua – India’s Predicted Playing XI

Labuschagne had endured a tough start to his innings and he too was swept off his feet by an Archer bouncer. However, the right-hander had gone on to score a feisty fifty to help Australia escape with a draw and maintain their lead in the five-match series. Labuschagne is now set to replace Smith in the playing eleven for the upcoming game.

Read More  "I know my opinion about myself.."- Riyan Parag shuts down haters with a jibe after winning the game vs Delhi Capitals

Also Read: Aussie Legend Accuses Joe Root Of ‘Blatant Cheating’

But things could have been very different had the delivery from Starc done more damage. According to The Australian’s Peter Lalor, Labuschagne was checked by the team doctor before continuing his session.

Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne receiving treatment in the nets (Credits: Twitter)

Further media reports in Australia suggest that the Australian bowlers had sent down a “barrage” of bouncers in order to prepare their teammates for the onslaught to come from Archer.

Australia, meanwhile, will have their task cut out in the third Test without Smith. Smith has been the standout batsman in the series so far, scoring two centuries and a 92 in three innings. With England’s bowlers in good form at the moment, the visitors need to bat out of their skin to get a positive result in the upcoming game.

Read More  KKR and Rajasthan Royals announce replacements for Prasidh Krishna and Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Read More: See Pics As Team Indian Stars Flaunt Their New Test Jersey

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.