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[Watch] Richard Kettleborough In Focus Again; Labuschagne Survives LBW Scare

image-lp5m741vUmpire's call saved Marnus Labuschagne (Twitter)

Marnus Labuschagne's narrow escape from a leg-before-wicket decision became a vital moment in the World Cup 2023 final between Australia and India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The Labuschagne lbw incident showed the razor-thin margins that often decide the fate of such high-stakes matches.

The drama unfolded in the 28th over of Australia's innings, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, known for his lethal yorkers, delivered a perfect inswinging ball that struck Labuschagne on the pads. The Indian team convinced they had their man, appealed vehemently for a leg-before decision. Umpire Richard Kettleborough, however, was not swayed and declared it not out.

India, understanding the significance of the moment, immediately called for a review. The tension was evident as the stadium awaited the third umpire's decision. 

Replays showed that the ball was indeed clipping the leg stump, but not sufficiently to overturn the on-field decision, based on the 'Umpire's Call' protocol in the Decision Review System. Labuschagne breathed a sigh of relief, his innings given a second life.



Meanwhile, at the time of this dramatic incident, Australia scored 168/3 in 31 overs. Labuschagne, standing unbeaten with a gritty 37 off 75 balls, has been crucial in anchoring the innings. Alongside Travis Head, who is playing a stellar knock of 87 off 83 balls, he is guiding Australia closer to the target of 241 runs.

With the Australian team a mere 73 runs away from lifting their sixth World Cup trophy, the Indian bowlers are under immense pressure to dislodge this partnership. The dreams of 1.3 billion Indian fans and their prolonged 12-year wait for World Cup glory are at stake.