Marnus explains bizarre cigarette call after ’remarkable’ moment leaves cricket in stitches
Marnus #Marnus
Marnus Labuschagne has once again raised eyebrows not just for his cricketing ability but for another interesting moment in the middle — and he’s explained what was really happening.
Known for his excited antics in the field and even talking to himself when batting, Labuschagne has delivered another hilarious moment on day one of the third Test.
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After the players left the field for bad light and then rain, the commentators laughed over the bizarre scenes when it appeared Labuschagne was calling for a cigarette on field.
Earlier in the day, the eccentric batter signalled with two fingers up to his mouth after brushing the brim of his helmet.
While many were confused, the 12th man brought out a lighter and the Queenslander burnt off something from his visor.
“No, he’s not asking for cigarettes, he’s asking for a lighter,” Isha Guha said.
Kerry O’Keeffe responded: “I played with Doug Walters and he’d signal for cigarettes.
“That was the most remarkable signal I’ve seen in world cricket for a cigarette lighter for a non-smoker.”
Mike Hussey added: “Can you imagine the poor 12th man? What does he want? What’s he signalling for? Does he want a cigarette?”
Hussey explained there must have been a few frayed bits on his helmet that were getting in his eyeline and the man himself confirmed as much after play on Wednesday.
“Because I only wear one helmet for (fielding at) short leg and when I bat, there’s not as much care taken when the boys throw my helmet for short leg,” he said.
“So the top of the helmet, the frills come down a little bit and gets in your eyeline.
“I should have done it before I went out but I remembered when I got out there and saw it straight away — especially the way the light cmes in, when the lights are on it’s very annoying. So I just try to make sure I burn it off.”
Labuschagne has been noted for his hilarious actions in the field where he’s regularly used in close fielding positions to natter along close to the batter.
He’s also known for his loud calling, which gets some people’s noses out of joint.
But he’s also a selfless player, sacrificing himself for David Warner in Melbourne, and batting his way to No. 1 in the ICC Test batting rankings.
Marnus — never change.