Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne has landed in hot water over a grade cricket run-in with an umpire. Labuschagne, who was captaining Brisbane club Redlands in their T20 Max semi-final against Valleys, was left frustrated and gobsmacked after opponent Hugh Weibgen wasn’t given out caught after umpires ruled a bump ball.
The no-catch controversy occurred during the seventh over of Valleys’ run-chase at Allan Border Field and the Australian Test star was furious, with replays appearing to show Weibgen should have been sent on his way. The catch was taken by Leigh Drennan – who is part of the incredibly popular ‘We Got the Chocolates’ podcast – and a fired-up Labuschagne was cited for excessively protesting the decision.
The game, broadcast on Kayo, didn’t have audio available of the conversation between Labuschagne and the umpires but footage showed the 30-year-old was animated and determined to make his point. Discussions continued after the next ball and the umpire appeared to tell Labuschagne to leave it alone and walk away.
At the end of the over, the two umpires met in the middle and discussed what went down, with the Kayo commentators speculating that they may be citing the Test star over the run-in. The commentators said Labuschagne was “blowing up deluxe” over the call. “I don’t think the umpire was too pleased with how all that unfolded,” the commentator said.
“I hope the umpires aren’t comparing notes there to maybe cite Marnus,” the commentator says. “He never swears, or anything like that. He’s just passionate about the game. Pretty respectfully.
“Rightfully so. He thought there was a dismissal that was out, given not out, sometimes the blood can boil. Nothing personal. Just the emotions of this game we play. Sometimes gets the better of you.”
The 30-year-old was charged with level 2 dissent against an umpire and will likely face a tribunal this week, where he may be handed a suspension for his actions. It is understood that Labuschagne did not swear or use foul language during the exchange but the charge that has been lodged claims there was clear dissent shown.
Marnus Labuschagne incident won’t impact Australia’s UK tour
The batsman is set to fly out to the UK to join his Australian teammates ahead of the upcoming ODI series against England. And while he could be suspended for his heated run-in with the Brisbane grade cricket umpire, the conduct commissioner does not have the power to suspend him for an international match – meaning he will be free to face England. But he does face a domestic suspension which could impact Labuschagne’s participation in the Sheffield Shield after he was announced as Queensland captain for the 2024-25 season in June.
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But the fact it won’t impact Australia’s UK trip is a massive relief for the Australian side, who are already without big guns Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell. While paceman Nathan Ellis has flown home because of a hamstring injury.
Australia’s three-game T20 series against England begins on Thursday (AEDT). Labuschagne will then join the squad for Australia’s five match ODI series against England which begins the following Thursday.
