Concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne reveals his mother's prophecy for his ODI chances

Marnus Labuschagne scored 80 runs coming in as concussion substitute in the first ODI against South Africa.

Australian middle order batter Marnus Labuschagne has his redemption short of moment against South Africa in first ODI of the 5-match series. Marnus Labuschagne played a match-winning knock for Australia, coming in as a concussion substitute in the game. Labuschagne has revealed that his mother was adamant that he will get to play in the One-day International. He was dropped from the Australian squad travelling to South Africa initially but was drafted back as an injury replacement. Labuschagne came in as Cameron Green’s concussion substitute in the Australian innings when they were reeling under pressure.

Labuschagne's Mother's prophecy

Marnus Labuschagne revealed after the game in a chat with cricket.com.au that his mother was sure about him playing in the ODI format once again. He said, “She stayed up for the whole game… She was adamant when I came here that I was going to play this game and told her ‘I have seen the team, mum, I am not in the team’. She just had a feeling, once again she’s right.”

Marnus Labuschagne is not part of the Australian World Cup squad that will be travelling to India after the South Africa ODI series. Marnus Labuschagne was called in as cover for Steve Smith who missed the ongoing series against South Africa. 

In the first ODI played at Bloemfontein, Marnus Labuschagne came in to replace Cameron Green who was hit by one of Kagiso Rabada’s bouncers and had to walk back retired hurt after facing just two deliveries. Talking about the opportunity, Marnus Labuschagne said, “The opportunity that happens when you are a concussion sub is sometimes a little bit of a free hit because the pressure of the game is out there but obviously the expectation is probably not as much on you. I have been really disappointed with how I have played my one-day cricket. The last 10-12 months I felt like I would not have shown the intensity and the courage I would like.” 

He also revealed that he was not shocked when he came to know about his omission from the One-day International team. Australia needed 223 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. South Africa with the help of a century from captain Temba Bavuma posted just 222 on the board. Australia lost early wickets and came under pressure when they were 7 down in 113 score. Labuschagne and Astron Agar (48) added a match-winning unbeaten 112-run stand for the 8th wicket. Marnus Labuschagne scored 80 runs in 93 balls with 8 fours in his innings. 2nd ODI will be played on 9th September at Mangaung Oval.