Marnus Labuschagne told teammates he was “dozing off” on The Oval balcony before walking out to face India’s quicks and being immediately awakened by several blows to the glove.
Instantly meme-worthy television footage spotted Labuschagne with his eyes closed and his legs up on the balcony early in Australia’s second innings against India.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marnus Labuschagne caught having a sleep moments before walking out to bat.
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David Warner was caught behind on the next ball, prompting a roar of the crowd and Labuschagne to spring to life, jump up, grab his bat and gloves and walk on to the field.
He was immediately met with a number of blows to the hands from India’s quicks, dropping his bat to his ground in pain twice after also being struck in the first innings.
Undeterred, the Queenslander still managed to bat through the final three hours of day three to go to stumps on 41 not out, with Australia 4-123 and leading by 296.
Marnus Labuschagne was enjoying a rest before he went out to bat. Credit: Channel 7“He mentioned when he came off that he was just resting or having a little doze off,” teammate Mitchell Starc quipped.
“So obviously he’s able to switch on pretty quickly.
“He copped a few across the knuckles to wake him up and he’s done a very good job in that last session today as well to fight through some difficult situations there.”
Australian cricket great and Channel 7 commentator Justin Langer said he was never that relaxed before going out to bat.
“No chance in the world (I would be that relaxed),” Langer said in commentary.
“I would be ready, listening to music and dancing around. That is a classic.
“He looks like one of the English supporters who has had a couple of pints and got a bit sun burnt. He is having a nice rest there.”
The commentary team were still having a laugh as Labuschagne woke up and walked out to bat following the dismissal of Warner.
“Marnus Labuschagne at number 3, that is one of the more extraordinary arrivals to the crease that you will see,” Harsha Bhogle said.
“Are you awake, Marnus? Have you brushed your teeth? Have you had a coffee?
“What a batter, though, averaging 57. There he goes. Marnus, Marnus. And now he’s probably heard the sound of the crowd.”
Langer added: “The appeal of the crowd, alarm, oh, I’m up and going. I will brush my teeth, a quick espresso coffee to get me going and now he’s got to face his first ball.”
Labuschagne’s fitness – and sleep – is crucial to Australia. one week out from the first Ashes Test.
He is one of several batsmen to take painful hits to the body in the first three days of the Test, with the Vauxhall End of the pitch offering particularly uneven bounce.
“My hands are just about hanging on,” Labuschagne told BBC Radio.
“I’ve got good bone density! It is lively out there, and that does make it challenging when they bounce like that off a length.
“But that happens as a batter and you’ve just got to find a way through it.”
India batter Ajinkya Rahane is also managing a finger injury after taking several balls to the glove at the same end, but he is expected to bat in the fourth innings.
– With AAP
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