Marnus Labuschagne’s DRS antics need to stop

Marnus Labuschagne is the world’s No. 1 Test batter, but perhaps it’s time for him to take a step back from making DRS calls.

Marnus Labuschagne is the world’s No. 1 Test batter and an absolute gun in the field, but perhaps it’s time for the Queenslander to take a step back from making DRS calls.

The sudden loss of former Test captain Tim Paine forced the Australians to drastically reassess their strategy for the Decision Review System ahead of the recent Ashes series, yielding mixed results.

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Because skipper Pat Cummins is typically placed at mid-on while in the field, he relies heavily on wicketkeeper Alex Carey and vice-captain Steve Smith in the slips when deciding whether or not to review.

However, Labuschagne always seems eager to share his thoughts during the 15-second team conference – which wouldn’t be a problem if he wasn’t so often incorrect.

On day three of the Karachi Test between Pakistan and Australia, Cummins struck opposition skipper Babar Azam on the front pad but umpire Aleem Dar opted against awarding the dismissal.

The Aussie skipper immediately consulted Carey but also acknowledged Labuschagne, who had sprinted in from cover.

He hardly even glanced at Smith, who captained Australia for 34 Test matches before the Cape Town ball-tampering saga of 2018.

After Cummins turned to Dar and called for the review, Labuschagne pumped his fists and raised his index finger, indicating he was adamant Australia had claimed its third victim of the day.

Marnus Labuschagne was adamant it was out.

Pat Cummins said after 1st Test he was happy with the team’s DRS process. Didn’t seem much of one there. Keeper was consulted, Marnus got a word in, a doubtful looking Steve Smith at slip didn’t get a say. Actually, Marnus quite emphatic. 😂 #PAKvAUSpic.twitter.com/KJz2qHU2mT

— Andrew Wu (@wutube) March 14, 2022

“He’s pretty pumped up, Labuschagne,” commentator Mike Haysman said. “He thinks that’s absolutely gone.

“He’s full of energy, my goodness.

“He’s a very animated cricketer.”

But replays showed that the ball had simultaneously come into contact with the bat and pad, meaning third umpire Rashid Riaz had no choice but to stick with the original decision.

Law 36.2.2 states: “If the ball makes contact with the striker’s person and bat simultaneously, this shall be considered as the ball having first touched the bat.”

When the verdict was handed down, a loud roar echoed around Karachi’s National Stadium while Labuschagne shook his head in frustration.

It was the latest in a series of wholehearted Labuschagne appeals that were ultimately proven to be not out.

Marnus Labuschagne was not impressed.

Bloody Marn 😂
The only time you can trust an appeal from him is when he throws the stumps down. #PAKvAUS

— Russell Bennett (@rgbennett) March 14, 2022

By his own admission, Labuschagne is not the most reliable source of information on the cricket field.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing if I play a role in the DRS … usually if I’m bowling I always think it’s out, and if I’m batting I never think it’s out,” he told reporters in December.

“The only thing I’m good for is the noises – the ears are quite big, so I pick up some faint noises, but that’s about the only benefit I was able to give.”

Labuschagne was run out without scoring in the first innings in Karachi, suffering his first duck since his Test debut against Pakistan in 2018.

The 27-year-old redeemed himself with a superb piece of fielding on Monday, throwing down the stumps from cover to dismiss Pakistan’s Hasan Ali for a globe.

Originally published as Marnus Labuschagne’s DRS antics need to stop