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Cricket world erupts over Marnus Labuschagne moment as Aussies win first Test
Marnus Labuschagne might have been dropped for the first cricket Test between Australia and the West Indies, but he's shown he's still a valuable member of the squad. The Aussie batter produced a stunning run-out in Barbados on Friday as the tourists ran through the West Indies order to win on day three.
Stationed at mid-off as a substitute fielder, Labuschagne ran out Alzarri Joseph with a brilliant direct hit. Joseph was burned by teammate Justin Greaves after he hit the ball to Labuschagne and set off for a quick single. Joseph wasn't quick enough to react, and Labuschagne's throw found him well short of his ground.
It left the Windies at 7-73 and well short of their target of 301 for victory. "He might not be in the XI but he's still putting up his hand to contribute," the commentator said on ESPN.
It came after former Aussie captain Mark Taylor called for Labuschgane to fly home from the Caribbean instead of remaining in the squad. But his fielding efforts on Friday showed why he's staying put.
"Come back, have a bit of time off from the game, just refresh," Taylor said. "That wouldn't be a bad thing. Get ready for the Australian summer."
Cricket fans flocked to social media in awe of Labuschagne's run-out. He received widespread praise for staying ready to contribute, rather than wallowing in the misery of getting dropped.
Oh look substitute Marnus with a direct hit from the same position. Contributing even though he's not playing XI.
— The Divine Beard (@Gerrardicted) June 27, 2025
Labuschagne still finds a way to have an impact 💪
— Simon (@Knight_Ryders) June 27, 2025
The forgotten man, Marnus, still making a difference!#Australia #WIvAUS
— 工レ丹几 (@Crackers2) June 27, 2025
You can take Marnus out of the xi but not out of the game 🎯
— Shamilinho🇦🇺🇧🇷 (@shamilzaiin) June 27, 2025
Labuschagne's run-out helped the Aussies score a 159-run victory after a stunning turnaround in the second innings. After being dismissed for 180 and conceding a 10-run lead in the first dig, the Aussie batters produced a much better effort in the second.
After another woeful start in which they slumped to 4-65, Travis Head, Alex Carey and Beau Webster righted the ship on day three. Head made 61 off 95 balls, while Carey made 65 off 75 and Webster 63 off 120.
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Their batting heroics led the Aussies to a much more respectable total of 310 in the second innings, setting the Windies 301 to win. But the hosts never looked likely, with Josh Hazlewood decimating their top order.
Hazlewood took 5-43 in a stunning display of line and length, leaving the cricket world in awe. The Aussie veteran dismissed John Campbell (23), Keacy Carty (20), Brandon King (golden duck), Roston Chase (2) and Jomel Warrican (3) as the Windies were bowled out for just 141. It was another insipid display after they only made 190 in the first innings.
Only some late hitting from Shamar Joseph (44 off 22) and Greaves (38 not out off 53) saved the hosts from a sub-100 total, but Nathan Lyon finished the job late on day three. Lyon got Joseph caught at first slip, before dismissing Jayden Seales for a golden duck on the very next delivery.
"(Hazlewood) just hits the right area, ball after ball, presents good seam. He was fantastic," said captain Pat Cummins after the result on day three.
