Ashes 2023: Marnus Labuschagne nearly pulls of a screamer to dismiss Ollie Robinson

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne nearly pulled off a stunning catch to draw curtains on Ollie Robinson’s innings during the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The incident occurred during the 55^th over when Robinson was up against pacer Josh Hazlewood.

In the first ball of the same over, Hazelwood bowled a short ball upon which Robinson shrugged underneath the bouncer. Marnus Labuschagne, who was present towards the batter’s leg side, grabbed the ball, taking a stunning catch.

Whi this Not out . The way labuschagne was celebrating, it shows the great sportsmanship of Aussies 😂. @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/PgYdwIyase

— niraj kumar (@nirajku1234) June 19, 2023

However, upon umpire review, Robinson was adjudged not out as the replays showed the ball brushing off the ground.

Despite this, Hazlewood got the crucial wicket of Moeen Ali in the fourth ball of the very same over, dismissing him for 19 off 31 balls which featured two fours and one six.

In the process, England were reduced to 229 for the loss of eight wickets. Notably, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Harry Brook contributed 46, 43, and 46 runs, respectively to keep the Three Lions steady in the contest. However, swift dismissals at regular intervals helped the Aussies maintain the momentum.

Lyon and Cummins share six wickets to derail England's aim of setting a big target for Australia

Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins got three wickets each whereas Scott Boland and Hazlewood got one wicket apiece. With two wickets to go, the English side will be gunning to post a competitive target in order to stay ahead of the rival side. 

However, considering the momentum maintained by Pat Cummins’ Australia, the side will look to come all guns blazing and push through for the final two wickets. Furthermore, with a day’s play in hand, the Aussies will be raring to get to the finish line and win the contest and take the lead in the five-match series in the Ashes.