The Marnus Labuschagne effect:

So for all those who are not aware, the bloke in the image above is an Australian Cricketer called Marnus Labuschagne. He is currently ranked the third best test batsmen in the current ICC Test Rankings (June, 2020). He was even praised by Sachin Tendulkar, who is arguably one of the best batsmen to have played the game, as somebody who reminds him of himself.

This all sounds too flowery, but what I wish to share is the backdrop story prior to this massive uproar, that was instigated by a change in the rules of the game in August, 2019 - and how this individual rode the change during that uncertain time period.

So I expect my readers to have a basic knowledge of the game, even if they don’t, let me just state the minimal formalities. So there are 11 players in a team during a particular match, although they do have a few more as backup players in the squad, who can’t be a part of a game which is already in progress, but they can be included in the team in another separate match. Also a Test match is played over 5 days, and each team gets the chance to play out 2 innings. FYI – Ashes (One of the greatest sporting rivalries in Cricket played between Australia and England) and Lord’s (Mecca of Cricket in the World)

So the ICC, came down with a provision that they would allow a like for like replacement of a Player during a match from the squad, in case the original player in question suffers from a Concussion during the match itself. So, Australia was playing against England in the Second Ashes test of the series at Lord’s, and in the first innings of the game - Steven Smith (Current ICC Best batsmen in Test Cricket) was hit on the head by one the feistiest bowlers in World Cricket currently called Joffra Archer. 

Smith was down; cricket lovers all over the world actually knew that the hit was so bad that in an earlier incident – an Australian Player called Phil Hughes had actually lost his life, after a ball had hit him on a similar spot. Smith though made a comeback in that innings itself, after taking a break of an hour or so to resume his batting, and he was widely appreciated for his courage. It was just before the start of the second innings for Australia that the referees were informed that Smith will no longer be part of the game, and they are introducing the first like for like Concussion substitute that the game of Cricket had seen in the form of a young 25 year old, who is yet to prove himself in Cricket, and he was none other than Marnus Labuschagne. ( NOTE: Prior to this game, he had played 5 test matches for Australia, and had scored just one half century, for all those who don’t understand the game, these numbers were way below satisfactory)

So, on the final day of the test, Australia actually had to bat the day out so that they could save themselves from losing the test. After the fall of the first 2 wickets, Marnus walked into the game through the hallowed corridors of Lord’s and found himself in the midst of the chaos, which he wasn’t supposed to be a part of even after 4 days of the game were already completed, but here he was against Joffra Archer, the nemesis. He took guard at his batting position and the first legal delivery that he faced, Joffra did what he does best in the business, he knocked off his helmet as he did to Smith in the first innings, Marnus went down like a pack of cards.

The crowd was silenced, and everybody thought that his career ended even before it could start properly, and that is when everybody saw that this young Aussie stand back on to his feet in a jiffy, and he looked at Joffra eye to eye. It was a statement, but then just statements don’t make a mark till the time you follow it up with something concrete, and that is what this individual did the very next ball. 

He caressed Joffra for a beautiful cover drive at a ball bowled at around 150 KMPH, and that is when the world took notice of his talent. He scored a gritty 59, and Australia managed to save the test and also retained the Ashes eventually. At the end of the year, Labuschagne was Test cricket's highest run-scorer in 2019 with 1104 runs in 11 matches averaging 64.94 and Smith was second in the list.

This was the tale of an underdog, who started off his career during an uncertain period; it may or may not have been as tough as the present times are but all I am trying to do is draw your attention towards his response to the same, especially after getting hit on the head after the very first ball as a Concussion substitute himself. As an individual who is stepping into any uncharted territory during this ‘Uncertain’ time space, it would be great if we can rub off the attitude and determination showcased by this bloke. I know most of us would sail through this time period, but for anyone who is going through even an inch of self-doubt, I hope you find an inspiration to drive your self-motivation.

‘You're not gonna be the first concussion sub to be ruled out for concussion’ – The first thoughts Marnus Labuschagne had after getting hit on the head.

‘That one bloke who sits quietly in the corner but you know he has got what it takes’ – Daniel M

Regards,

Anannyo Bhattacharjee.

P.S – Link to the Youtube video giving a cinematic touch to the narration by Amazon Prime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psP4MdEstYo