Wisden

The independent voice of cricket

LIVE SCORES
Australia v India

‘Worst appeal I have heard’ – Labuschagne’s bizarre cry from short leg leaves commentators in splits

Labuschagne appeal
by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne left the commentary box in splits during the third day of the Australia-India Brisbane Test, after a bizarre cry from short leg that Mark Waugh termed as the worst appeal he had ever heard.

Labuschagne was fielding at short leg in the 63rd over of India’s innings, when a bumper from Josh Hazlewood made Washington Sundar sway away from the line of the delivery. As the ball passed the bat and settled into Tim Paine’s gloves, Labuschagne went up in an enthusiastic appeal, but as it turned out, he was the only one interested. Hazlewood promptly turned around and walked away, unmoved like the rest of his Australian teammates, barring Labuschagne.

“What is he doing?” Mark Waugh was heard saying on Fox commentary, having seen a clear gap between the bat and the passing ball like everyone else. “Do you think he was having a bad dream or something? What is he doing? What is Marnus Labuschagne appealing for?”

“He still looks bemused, look,” Gilchrist replied, as the camera kept their focus on Labuschagne, in helmet, looking around blankly for support.

Labuschagne

 

“Not surprised our producer didn’t put the DRS countdown clock on there because there was no one else interested in the stadium.” Waugh continued. “I’ve got no idea what happened there.”

“I wonder what Marnus was thinking and what planet he was on?” said Gilchrist.

The two former Australia teammates kept discussing Labuschagne’s appeal, unable to control their laughter in the commentary box.

“It is like the bloke driving past in park cricket that is yelling out ‘How is that you mug?’ when they drive past,” said Waugh.

“The hardest part was him looking around and no one else was appealing,” Gilchrist said. “It is like going to a fancy dress party and no one has told you.”

“That is the worst appeal I have ever heard,” Waugh concluded.

Perhaps Labuschagne saw something no one did. Or, he was just practising his quirky “no run” calls ahead of his next outing with the bat.

You can watch the video on the wwos.nine.com.au website here.

Have Your Say

Become a Wisden member

  • Exclusive offers and competitions
  • Money-can’t-buy experiences
  • Join the Wisden community
  • Sign up for free
LEARN MORE
Latest magazine

Get the magazine

12 Issues for just £39.99

SUBSCRIBE