Labuschagne heroics get Aussies home in first South Africa ODI

Marnus Labuschagne has responded in the best possible way after being left out of Australia’s 50 over World Cup team.

Australia, playing a best of five series against South Africa, is now 1-0 up after Labuschagne made 80 not out from 93 balls after only being subbed into the game when Cameron Green was felled by a Kagiso Rabada bouncer.

This series is serving as a precursor to the World Cup, and Australia needed to get their campaign off on the right foot, while for Labuschagne it will act as a potential way to get a late call-up for next month’s tournament in India, after being left out of the initial 15-man squad.

Green suffered a concussion after a brutal bouncer from Rabada connected with his head. Labuschagne, the Queensland right-hander, took over the mantle from Green. Entering the crease at a precarious 5-72, Labuschagne seemed to realise the gravity of the situation and the opportunity it presented.

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And seize the moment he did. His fearless innings evoked memories of his concussion substitute appearance for Steve Smith in the 2019 Ashes at Lords.

Under Australian coach Andrew McDonald’s strategy of loading the team with all-rounders, Labuschagne formed an unbeaten partnership of 112 with Ashton Agar, who scored a valuable 48 not out. The duo efficiently nullified the South African bowling, focusing on accumulating runs and minimising risks. Labuschagne’s dominant half-century off 47 balls and his final score of 80 from 93 deliveries was crucial in clinching the victory for Australia in the 41st over.

South Africa’s inning was notably held together by Captain Temba Bavuma’s splendid 114 off 142 balls, making him only the second player in his country’s history to carry his bat through a completed ODI inning. Marco Jansen’s contribution of a 40-ball 32 stood out in a batting line-up that struggled against the impressive Australian bowling.

Australia’s chase began on a rocky note, with David Warner dismissed for a duck. However, the spotlight was on the nasty injury to Green, resulting from Rabada’s vicious delivery. As the ball’s pace left Green little time to react, he took a hit, leaving a cut visible behind his left ear. Following an on-field medical assessment, Green was retired hurt, prompting Labuschagne’s entry.

With the previous batters succumbing quickly, Australia found themselves in a tight spot at 7-113. But the Labuschagne-Agar partnership steadied the ship, guiding Australia to a much-needed win, ending a five-match losing streak against South Africa in ODIs.

Earlier, Josh Hazlewood, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, was re-introduced into the Australian lineup, keeping the South African batsmen in check. Quinton de Kock’s struggling form and a chaotic run-out of Rassie van der Dussen added to South Africa’s woes.

Bavuma’s steady inning, including some lucky reprieves, was the backbone of the South African total. His late acceleration, combined with expertly managing the strike, made the difference in their final score.

The teams will face off again at the same venue this Saturday, in the second of the five-match series. Australian online bookmakers have priced the Aussies at $1.68 to win the match, with South Africa paying $2.15.

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