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'Mighty Marnus' - Fans react as concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne snatch thrilling 3-wicket win against South Africa in 1st ODI

Concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne's match-winning half-century propelled Australia register a thrilling win over South Africa.

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Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne (Source: Twitter)

Australia grabbed a thrilling three-wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI and have replaced Pakistan as the new No. 1 team in the format, all credit to their concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne. The opening encounter of the three-match series in Bloemfontein witnessed two individual batting masterclasses on a sluggish surface, one from Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma and the other from Labuchagne. However, the Aussie right-hander overshadowed Bavuma's stunning century with a match-winning knock of 80 off 93 deliveries.

After being put into bat first, South Africa managed to post a fighting total of 222-10 in 49 overs, thanks to Bavuma's 114 off 142 balls and Marco Jansen's 32 off 40 balls. The Kangaroos got off to a disastrous start with opener David Warner dismissed in the very first over. When the team was struggling to get going, Cameron Green was struck on the left ear by a bouncer from Rabada and he was retired hurt.

The visitors lost a few more wickets and then Labuschagne came in as a concussion substitute for Green at 72/5. The 'Test specialist' along with the number nine batter Ashton Agar (48 off 69) steadied the ship and helped Australia cross the finish line with 58 balls to spare.

I’ve had some weird things happen with concussions: Labuschagne 

This isn't the first time Labuschagne has played a gritty knock coming in as a concussion sub. In fact, he was the first-ever test concussion substitute when he replaced Steve Smith in the 2019 Ashes. The 29-year-old walked out to bat on Day 5 of the second Ashes Test at Lord's and made a valuable 59, which proved to be a defining moment in his career.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Labuschagne said: "What a rollercoaster. It’s a strange thing, my mom was adamant last night I’ll play but I told her I’m not in the team. I’ve had some weird things happen with concussions. Feels special, the support I’ve had from my family, my mom and my grandmom were there even though I wasn’t playing, and the support I get from South African fans whenever I come here is amazing."

Labuschagne's scintillating knock is a reminder to Australian selectors that the Klerksdorp-born player has not been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5. Cricket Australia initially announced an 18-man provisional squad, but recently they narrowed it down to 15 players, with Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, and Tanveer Sangha also left out of the marquee event.

Speaking about his World Cup snub, the former World No. 1 Test batter said: I’ve been disappointed with how I played one day cricket, I felt like I really needed to improve and didn’t have the pressure last night going to bed, nice it all came together. (On whether he can still make the WC squad) That's not my job, whatever happens is out of my control but I'm very happy to get over the line today.

Here's how fans reacted to Marnus Labuschagne's innings: 

Marnus Labuschagne Australia South Africa