Watch: Mohammed Shami bowled a ripper to knock back Marnus Labuschagne‘s off-stump in his first over after Lunch on Day 1 of the WTC Final at The Kia Oval today (June 7).
Australia finished the first session of the World Test Championship 2021-23 final at 73-2. Having lost the toss and asked to bat on a green surface, they would have been happy with their effort. As Labuschagne and Steve Smith resumed after lunch, Australia would had set their sights on a fruitful afternoon session.
However, Shami, the spearhead of India’s bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, had other ideas. He took no time to find his rhythm and deliver a seed to knock Labuschagne’s off stump with his very first delivery in the second session.
The ball was full, starting just outside off, and slanted back in ever so slightly. Labuschagne played completely down the wrong line, leaving a gap between his bat and pad big enough for the ball the sneak through and take his off-stump out with it.
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Shami had bowled well in the first session to induce several false strokes, but had been unable to break through. Labuschagne’s wicket was a well-deserved one for his consistent efforts.
India will hope he can keep at it and get them more such crucial breakthroughs in the match going ahead.
Watch Mohammed Shami bowl Marnus Labuschagne through the gate:
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