NEW DELHI: Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden criticised Marnus Labuschagne for being distracted by Mohammed Siraj’s playful behaviour during Day 2 of the Brisbane Test on Sunday. Siraj attempted to unsettle batsmen by employing various tactics, including a notable moment when he approached Labuschagne’s end to adjust the bails.
In the 33rd over, after delivering a ball, Siraj walked to Labuschagne’s end and switched the positions of the two bails. Labuschagne subsequently reversed the bail positions once Siraj returned to his bowling mark.
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Shortly after this incident, Labuschagne’s innings concluded when he was dismissed by Nitsh Kumar Reddy for 12 runs off 55 balls.
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Whilst commentating on Star Sports, Hayden expressed his disapproval, suggesting that Labuschagne should have maintained better composure during Siraj’s light-hearted actions, particularly as he lost his wicket shortly afterwards.
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“He saw 55 deliveries, has had no go forward whatsoever. Even that little exchange, if it was me at the crease and a bowler does that. I am not caring less. I’m not even looking at the bowler. I’m not acknowledging what he’s doing one bit. He’s nowhere near my space. In fact, I probably would have told him to get out of my space before he even got to the bails,” Hayden said.
Labuschagne, with 4183 runs at an average of 48.63 in 52 Tests for Australia, scored 5 runs across two innings in Perth (2 and 3) followed by 64 in Adelaide.
The five-match series is currently locked at 1-1.
