AUS vs SA: Marnus Labuschagne signals for cigarette lighter to repair helmet

The third and final Test match of the series between hosts Australia and South Africa got underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, January 4, with Australia batting first in the series finale. The series has not been short of drama and talking points, and it got another one in the Pink Test when Australia's batting ace Marnus Labuschagne called for a cigarette lighter to repair his helmet during his time at the crease.

Australia's decision to bat first in the series finale backfired after they lost last match's hero David Warner for just ten runs to his name in the fourth over. But that remained the only joyous moment for the visitors in the first session as Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne consolidated for the home side after that early setback.

Running repairs for Marnus Labuschagne! 🚬#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/IdSl0PqicV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2023

The vociferous fans at the SCG were treated to a moment of curiosity when their batting ace and no 1 Test batter in the world, Marnus Labuschagne, signaled for a cigarette lighter. The batter was having some trouble seeing the ball due to a defect in the helmet and called for the lighter to fix the nylon clothing on the underside. 

Bad light stops play at the SCG

Labuschagne went on to register his 14th half-century in red-ball cricket and remains unbeaten on 73 as bad light stopped play on the first day. He even survived a contentious call by the umpires when he was caught at the slips, only for the on-field decision to be overturned by the third umpire. Tea was taken early due to poor visibility at the venue as Australia headed into the break in a strong position with the scoreboard reading 138/1 after losing Warner early in the innings.

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