Marnus Labuschagne hailed for incredible sacrifice to help David Warner FINALLY end his three-year wait for a century: ‘The most selfless thing we’ve seen in a long time’
- Marnus Labuschagne was praised for his incredible sacrifice
- David Warner looks set to run out before reaching a half-century
- But it was Labuschagne who struck and was dismissed for just 14 runs at the MCG
Hitting a Test century is no mean feat. Sometimes it takes a bit of good luck, not just immense skill, to hit three numbers. Other times, a teammate can help a lot.
For David Warner, he will look back on a key moment from his incredible knock against South Africa that helped him end his wait for another ton – Marnus Labuschagne’s sacrifice.
Warner appeared set to make a half-century at the MCG after making a strong start to his innings against the Proteas, but a mix-up at Labuschagne spelled big trouble for the veteran.
Marnus Labuschagne was praised for his incredible sacrifice in the Boxing Day Test
After hitting South African quick Anrich Nortje through cover for a straightforward single, Warner called for a second after a fall in the field.
However, Labuschagne did not anticipate the second run and was caught on his heels. He initially sent Warner back but, seeing how far his wicket partner was, decided to commit.
Labuschagne launched himself towards the crease, but a powerful throw from Keshav Maharaj ran him out for 14 runs. At the other end, Warner shook his head, shyly looking at his batting partner.
The Australian batter was run out for 14 on Day Two of the Test against South Africa
Labuschagne sacrificed himself after David Warner called for a second run at the MCG
But it was a crucial moment, as Warner went on to score an incredible double century to end his three-year wait for a ton.
‘He’s filthy, his clothes and probably his mind at this stage. It’s a real bonus wicket for South Africa,’ said South African legend Shaun Pollock.
‘Warner’s running between the wickets is absolutely brilliant, the intensity he brings, but you have to have everyone in the team on the same wavelength when they are running with him.
‘Sometimes you have to remember it’s a cricket match and not an athletics event.’
But Labuschagne’s selflessness in running himself instead of Warner did not go unnoticed.
Warner went on to score a stunning double century thanks to Labuschagne’s selfless act
‘The most selfless thing we’ve seen in a long time,’ said Kerry O’Keeffe.
‘He realized out of the corner of his eye how loyal David was, and David thought to turn and go to the edge of danger and Marnus said I wouldn’t go, even though I was gone.
‘There was some freneticism about his run, he was always looking to make one two and he thought there was two straight away, he realized too late that Marnus had missed the crease.
‘Sometimes rough running between the wickets, trying to pinch the extra, can undo you and it has it there.’
