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'Didn't Have Rest When Siraj...,' Marnus Labuschagne Explains After Napping Row


image-liplzyevMarnus Labuschagne was caught taking a short nap on day 3 of WTC final | Source: Twitter 

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne has revealed why he took a short nap during Australia's second innings of the ICC World Test Championship Final while his teammates faced a barrage of bouncers from the Indian bowlers at The Oval.

The Australian number three batter was caught on cameras taking a nap as Usman Khawaja and David Warner looked to extend the team’s lead. Labuschagne was rudely awakened from his sleep when Mohammed Siraj claimed an early wicket, dismissing Warner for just 1 run.

Following the end of Day 3, the Australian batters finally broke the silence on the matter, explaining that he simply took a moment to rest his eyes during intervals between balls. Labuschagne further added that it's unrealistic to expect players to watch the entire game continuously. 

Here’s what Marnus Labuschagne said:

"I was just resting my eyes between balls and just relaxing. I was trying to calm my nerves a little bit, you can’t watch the game all the time, I got up there and was awake pretty soon. I didn't have too many rests there when Siraj banged that first one in."

Earlier in the match, Shardul Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane’s crucial century partnership helped India reach 296 runs in their first inning. While Shardul scored 51 runs, the Mumbai batter announced his arrival in style, smacking 89 runs from 129 balls with the help of 11 fours and a six. 

Currently, Australia has a strong grasp on the match against India. Holding a substantial lead of 269 runs with six wickets still intact, the focus now shifts to how the Indian bowlers will counter Australia's challenge, aiming to limit them below 350 and subsequently chase it down in the final innings.