London: For Australia's Marnus Labuschagne, the unusual and the routine go hand in hand. There aren't many people who would try to uncover weaknesses in his batting discipline; he's just a good Test batter. He prefers to conduct extensive research before coming out to bat each time against a different opponent, which is possibly the most desirable trait to succeed at the Test level. As a result, he brings a tone of confidence and runs to the table.
However, he is also one of those restless youths who are never far from engaging in banter with the opposition. When he is not engaging in some of the strangest conversations with opposition players, like the time he asked Rohit Sharma what he did during quarantine, he draws attention to himself with his body language, mannerisms, and antics.
Every time Marnus appears on the big screen, there is almost anticipation. But regardless of whether there are cameras there, he enjoys conducting himself in a distinctive manner. Marnus was observed picking up his chewing gum from the ground and putting it back into his mouth moments after dropping it, which led to the proof of that going viral on social media and eliciting conflicting opinions from netizens.
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On Day 1 of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord's, the incident took place. After being asked to bat, Marnus Labuschagne was batting alongside Steve Smith in an effort to put Australia in a commanding position. Cameras panned to Australia's No. 3 as he adjusted his gloves and dropped his chewing gum on the pitch prior to the commencement of the 45th over. To the 'disgust' and'surprise' of many, he picked up the gum and put it straight back in his mouth without even thinking.
Unfortunately, Marnus was dismissed doing just that to an Ollie Robinson delivery that just shaped away after pitching a shade outside the off stump. Marnus has no problems in admitting that he needs to make a little technical tweak to stop nicking deliveries outside the off stump.
However, Australia was able to score a significant first innings total of 416 thanks to Steve Smith's brilliant 32nd Test hundred. England, the hosts, responded strongly, closing out Day 2 with 278 for 4, cutting Australia's lead to 138 runs.
The bad news for England was that all four of their lost wickets were gifts to Australia, allowing them to easily score 278 runs.
Without even Bazballing it, England batted so calmly throughout the afternoon session and for an hour after tea that Australia spread its fielders, vacating the slips in urgent need of a second wicket.
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And things got much worse for Australia when Nathan Lyon, the team's lone wicket-taker at that time and the player who always seems to avoid injury, strained his right calf while diving for a ball in the field and walked away with assistance. He left without coming back, and the way he left gave the impression that he would not finish this, his 100th test in a row.
Australia modified its strategy by luring England with the short ball without the assistance of Lyon's spin to wear them down.
England accepted the offer.World No. 1 Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root made rash attempts to catch short balls and throw catches behind the square.
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