Watch: Marnus Labuschagne And Nathan Lyon Hilariously Cuddle After Colliding On The Pitch

Marnus Labuschagne charged Queensland to the Sheffield Shield title in the final against New South Wales with his brilliant first innings knock of 192 runs in Brisbane. He made the NSW bowlers toil hard in the field, most of which was veteran off-spinner, Nathan Lyon who bowled 41 overs in Queensland’s first innings, as The Bulls won by an innings and 33 runs on Sunday.

The two Aussie stalwarts had a gripping contest with each other throughout Marnus Labuschagne’s innings before he eventually perished to Sean Abbott 8 runs short of his double hundred.

There was a funny ‘cuddling’ incident between the right-hander and the off-spinner during the 103rd over, with Marnus Labuschagne at the non-striker’s end. Matt Renshaw played a straight drive off Lyon, who was bowling around the wicket to the left-hander. Seeing the ball coming towards his end, Marnus Labuschagne promptly tried to put his bat back in the bowling crease lest get run out.

Nathan Lyon jumped to grasp the ball but couldn’t and instead collided with the non-striker. Funnily, both lay on the ground, with Lyon in Labuschagne’s lap, and the batter cutely cuddled the ‘GOAT’ on his way up. Both exchanged smiles, as Lyon went back to his bowling mark.

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It’s up there with one of the better ones I’ve played: Marnus Labuschagne

The 26-year-old had a prolific season with the bat – he recorded 821 runs at 82.10 with the help of 4 tons and 2 fifties. Marnus Labuschagne reckons it’s one of his best hundreds, if not the best

“Just the way I played, my tempo, today was better than I feel like it’s ever been. I didn’t get greedy, took the runs on offer, and really wasn’t rushed or flustered and really played to my game. Look, I’m not going to say best ever, but it’s up there with one of the better ones I’ve played,” Marnus Labuschagne said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Nathan Lyon, who was the leading wicket-taker in the competition with 42 scalps, lavished praise for Marnus Labuschagne’s chanceless knock and hopes the youngster bats the same way in the home Ashes against England later in the year as well.

“That’s the first one [century] he hasn’t had a chance. Marnus has been exceptional. I love him to death so hopefully, he does it next year against the Poms.

“It’s always a great battle when you compete against some of the best players in the world and over the last 24 months Marnus has found a new level and it’s just great competing against someone like that. He doesn’t give you a sniff, he’s very talented, I’ve got nothing but praise for Marnus,” Lyon praised Labuschagne.

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