Ashes 2019:- Marnus Labuschagne to Replace Steve Smith in 2nd Test Against England

A day ago, there was drama as Steve Smith fell prey to a solid bouncer from Jofra Archer. As it turned out, the ball struck him close to the back of his neck and he toppled to the ground. After somehow braving it out on Saturday, it is now clear that he is in no condition to play in the 2nd Ashes Test. However, for the second Test, Marnus Labuschagne has been given the nod to replace an unfit Smith

Cricket Australia’s tweet read, “Breaking: Massive news from Lord’s with Steve Smith ruled out of the test with delayed concussion,”

Now, it has been announced that Marnus Labuschagne will be given the nod to replace the former Australia captain. Labuschagne’s appointment came after the Australian team successfully applied for a concussion substitute.

During his entire career, Labuschagne has played in 5 Test matches and amassed 210 runs with a high score of 81. He boasts of a strike rate of 48.61 across the five tests that he has played, and he is a decent bowler as well. 9 wickets with best figured of 3 for 45 at an economy of 4.06 is also proof of an excellent bowling prowess.

He made his official Test debut for Australia in 2018 against Pakistan in Dubai. Prior to his now most recent call up, his last Test was against Sri Lanka back in February 2019. Labuschagne is a South African-born player, who is said to be a top order batsman who possesses a good bowling arm.

Marnus Labuschagne is primarily a substitute short leg fielder for the Australian cricket team. His claim to fame came when he took a superb catch off Nathan Lyon in the 2014 Brisbane Test against India.

Coming back to Steve Smith, he reported waking up with “headache” and “grogginess” in the morning. Cricket Australia called it a delayed concussion, and hence elected to rest him.