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[Watch] Concussion Substitute Marnus Labuschagne's Fighting Fifty vs South Africa

image-lm9h9hk0Marnus Labuschagne scored a stunning fifty (Twitter)

When fate closes one door, it seems to open another for Marnus Labuschagne. Dropped from the Australian squad for the 2023 World Cup and from the ODI lineup against South Africa, it seemed Labuschagne was destined to watch the series unfold from the sidelines. But, as cricket often reminds us, the game is full of surprises.

Labuschagne's fifty has brought Australia on the brink of a famous win

Today in Bloemfontein, Labuschagne found himself back in the spotlight in a manner reminiscent of his 2019 entry at Lord's. On that day, he replaced an injured Steve Smith as a concussion substitute and put on a commendable performance with a match-saving fifty on a challenging pitch. Fast forward to today, and history seemed eager to repeat itself.

Although he was drafted into the squad as a replacement for Smith, he was not a part of the starting 11 in the ongoing first ODI against South Africa. However, an unexpected injury to Cameron Green during Australia's innings thrust Labuschagne into action once again as a concussion substitute. And he did not disappoint.


With the Australian side reeling at 93/6 in just under 14 overs, facing a modest target of 222, it appeared as if the match was tilting heavily in the Proteas' favour. But Labuschagne, unswerved by the pressure displayed resilience and character, reminiscent of his performance at Lord's.

He not only steadied the ship but also stitched a crucial fifty-run partnership with Ashton Agar. Their partnership, which is still unbroken, has swung the pendulum back in Australia's favour.

As the match stands, Australia is close to a hard-fought victory at 189/7 after 33 overs. With just 34 runs required and Labuschagne's bat oozing confidence, it seems the Aussies might just pull off a remarkable win.