The Australian team made a triumphant return to ODI cricket by defeating their arch-rivals England in the first of the 5-match ODI series. The match that took place in Trent Bridge saw the hosts bat first and post a massive total of 315 before they got bundled out in 49.4 overs.
However, this humongous-looking total was achieved rather easily by the Australians in 44 overs. Star batter Travis Head’s tremendous unbeaten century was crucial in taking the visitors to victory. Marnus Labuschagne also had a match to remember as not only did he remain unbeaten on 77 but also took 3 wickets and even took 4 catches.
By doing so, Labuschagne became the first-ever player to score a half-century, take 3 wickets and also have 4 catches to his name in the same match.
Introduced in the 33rd over of England’s innings, Labuschagne was taken for a few boundaries, however he made a strong comeback and took the hugely important wickets of Ben Duckett (95) and Harry Brook (39) before chipping in with the wicket of Jofra Archer. He finished with figures of 3/39 in 6 overs. His contributions with the ball were crucial as otherwise the hosts would have went on to post an even bigger total.
To add to his bowling heroics, he also took 4 catches and proved to be exceptional in the field as well. To cap it all off, Labuschagne went on to play an amazing inning of 77 runs off just 61 balls to guide the visitors to a 7-wicket victory alongside Head who remained unbeaten on 154. Labuschagne scored 7 boundaries and 2 sixes in his impressive knock.
Though, it was Head who was awarded with the Player of the Match award, Labuschagne gave one of the most well all-rounded performances ever in the format.
