Everyone is aware of the amazing fielding abilities of Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. The skill was once again on display during the third and final ODI between Australia and West Indies.
During the 11th over of the West Indies innings, Lance Morris bowled a brilliant outswinging delivery to in-form batter Keacy Carty. Carty nicely sliced it in the direction of the backward point. Marnus Labuschagne stationed at that position rose to his right and took a blinder of a catch.
It was a stunning take by the Australian batter which ended up giving Lance Morris his first ever wicket in international cricket. Keacy Carty was the only batter who looked solid in the first two ODIs against the hosts. He was the leading run-scorer of the series thus far and to dismiss him in such fashion would have given a lot of confidence to the hosts.
Marnus Labuschagne is an insane fielder. ?pic.twitter.com/9gg7kfV9IM
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 6, 2024
With a win in this match, Australia would look to clean-sweep the visitors and start their ODI Super League campaign on a positive note.
“Keeping the Indian crowd quiet was special” : Steve Smith
Prior to the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Australia was under pressure. They were viewed as the underdogs going up against an Indian squad that had won ten straight games. The fact that they were going to be playing in front of the crowded Ahmedabad stadium, home of the Indian team, added to the strain of taking on a formidable squad.
During the event hosted by Cricket Australia, Smith gave his thoughts on the “special” World Cup win. The Australian batter said, “The World Cup win was special, in front of a packed house, keeping the Indian crowd quiet was special.”
The Australian team vice-captain also lauded the efforts of Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head in the final. “Travis Head, the show he put on was just incredible. (He) took the game on even when we were 3 for 60-odd (47 for 3), just kept going, kept playing to his strengths. I thought Marnus played an unbelievable knock at the other end in a supporting role. It was a great partnership, and yeah, another one (World Cup title).”
