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Labuschagne nearly traps Steve Smith as iconic face-off unfolds in Sheffield Shield

Akshita Patel

Marnus Labuschagne vs Steve Smith [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]Marnus Labuschagne vs Steve Smith [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]

Marnus Labuschagne flaunted his bowling skills in a recent Sheffield Shield match. He bowled to Steve Smith and almost got him out on a close LBW shout. This happened during the New South Wales vs Queensland Sheffield Shield game held in Brisbane.

Smith, who scored a stunning century at no. 4, faced a familiar yet unexpected rival, Marnus Labuschagne.

Marnus Labuschagne rolls his arms vs Steve Smith

The matchup was unconventional, as Marnus Labuschagne is a part-time medium pacer. However, he ended up bowling a good spell.

In a video shared by Cricket.com.au, Labuschagne was seen bowling right lines to Smith. He even beat him and erupted in a loud LBW shout. However, the umpire turned his appeal down in what looked like a close call. Had the decision landed in Marnus' favour, it would have been a cinematic moment.

That being said, New South Wales posted 429 runs on the board in the first inning thanks to Steve Smith and Kurtis Patterson's centuries.

In response, Queensland lost two wickets at 133 runs. Labuschagne, unfortunately, failed to make an impact with the bat, as he got dismissed on just four off six balls.

Regardless, Marnus Labuschagne is the leading run scorer of the Sheffield Shield season so far. Before this game, he had 341 runs in 4 innings, including two hundreds.

Smith backs Labuschagne for Ashes 2025

Meanwhile, Steven Smith praised Marnus Labuschagne for making a pretty big statement with his 4th hundred in 5 innings, calling it a robust response after being dropped earlier this year. 

Smith revealed Labuschagne had confidently predicted his return to the Test side before the Ashes and has now backed up his words with runs. With two Sheffield Shield centuries in as many matches, Labuschagne's recall looks inevitable, though selectors still face a key decision, whether he bats at number three or opens alongside Usman Khawaja.