Ashish Ranjan
During Day 4 of the ongoing first Test of the Ashes 2023, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen drew attention to the similar manner in which Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by Stuart Broad. The top-ranked Test batsman in the world was dismissed by the veteran seamer in identical fashion in both innings, as he edged the ball to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.
Broad had mentioned using his wobble seam and outswinger to counter the dynamic combination of Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the lead-up to the Ashes 2023, and so far it has served England well. While Labuschagne was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, the right-arm seamer was able to dismiss him again during Australia’s chase late on Day 4, keeping England’s aspirations alive heading into the final day.
While facing Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen advised Labuschagne not to attempt deliveries that are well outside the off-stump. In an interview with Sky Sports, he stated:
“Observe how far away the object is from Marnus. I believe there is a significant technical error there. He shouldn’t be toying at this point in the delivery; you must let it go. He is playing too far across his shafts and triggering excessively.”
At the conclusion of the third day of play under cloudy conditions, the Australian fast bowlers’ persistent spell left England floundering at 28-2. On the fourth day, Joe Root eliminated all doubts by playing a reverse sweep off Pat Cummins’ first delivery and scoring 16 runs off Scott Boland’s next over.
Also See | Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das get NOC for GT20 Canada
No batsman scored a half-century or more during England’s second innings, as Australia declared the innings over after the hosts scored 273 runs in 66.2 overs. In response, Australia concluded the day with a score of 107/3, advancing the Test to Day 5 with all outcomes still conceivable. The first Test will conclude on Tuesday, June 20, and the second game will be played at the historic Lord’s on Tuesday, June 28.
