Australia No.3 batter Marnus Labuschagne has undergone a scan following a knock on his little finger on day three of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. Labuschagne sustained a blow to his little finger from a rising delivery by debutant Khurram Shahzad during the sixth over of Australia’s second innings.
Although he sought prompt medical attention and resumed batting after a brief delay, Labuschagne appeared unsettled and was eventually dismissed for 2 with an awkward top-edged pull shot. The broadcast captured him receiving further treatment from the medical staff in Australia’s team room. Pakistan’s pacers showed better control with the new ball compared to their performance on the opening day in Australia’s initial innings.
Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test, Day 3: Highlights
“He was with the doc and physio for the last hour just chatting through it and doing a few tests on the finger…dare say he might be pretty sore,” Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood told reporters after play.
Australia opener Usman Khawaja, who was at the non-striker’s end when Labuschagne suffered the blow, also expressed his concern.
“It didn’t look pretty,” Usman Khawaja told Fox Cricket. “Marnus is a pretty tough character. When he takes his glove and starts to do that I get a bit worried, because he’s a pretty tough guy.”
If Labuschagne is deemed unfit for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the opportunity could arise for the return of all-rounder Cameron Green. The absence of Labuschagne, a consistent figure who has featured in 39 consecutive Tests since solidifying his place in the team during the 2019 Ashes series, would bring a noticeable change to Australia’s batting lineup.
Meanwhile, Australia bowled out Pakistan for 271 in their first innings and then went on to establish a 300-run lead on day three of the first Test. Australia faced a post-tea setback as they lost first innings’ centurion David Warner for a duck and Marnus Labuschagne for two, courtesy of Shahzad’s double-strike, adding an element of excitement to the contest.
