‘I was just resting my eyes between balls and just relaxing’ - Marnus Labuschagne explains his nap fiasco in WTC 2023 Final

Day 3 of the World Test Championship final (WTC) 2023 was full of ups and downs. From Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur fighting back with the bat, to Australia’s top-order crumbling under the pressure of India’s relentless bowling attack, there was a lot to discuss from the eventful day at the Oval. 

However, one of the biggest talking points of the day was when star batting all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne was caught taking a nap when Australia came out to bat in the second innings. The incident was caught on camera before and after David Warner’s dismissal.

Team India struck early as Mohammed Siraj sent Warner packing for just one run; however, Warner’s dismissal meant that it was Labuschagne’s turn to take the crease, and the 28-year-old was rudely awoken right after Warner’s dismissal. Furthermore, he came forward to explain the situation and opined that he was just resting his eyes.

"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," Labuschagne told SEN Cricket.

Team India maintain control following end of Day 3

After a subpar display with the ball in the first innings, Rohit Sharma-led India seem to have covered their tracks in the second innings. After David Warner was dismissed cheaply, Usman Khawaja was unable to build his innings as well. The 36-year-old only managed to score 13 runs in 39 deliveries. 

Furthermore, the situation got even worse for the Aussies after Steve Smith and Travis Head were sent back to the pavilion quite early as well. Both Smith and Head were sensational in the first innings, scoring their respective centuries, however, they both fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja in the second innings. 

By the end of Day 3, Australia had lost four wickets but managed to score 123 runs with Labuschagne and Cameron Green at the crease.