All eyes will be on Ben Stokes on Tuesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Australia looks to add to England’s Ashes frustration with a big first innings total in the fifth Test.
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Australia resumes play on day 3 at 2-166 — trailing England by 218 runs — with Travis Head closing in on a century on 91, and nightwatchman Michael Neser on 1.
The day could also see the retiring Usman Khawaja play his final Test innings, should he not get the chance to bat a second time.
But intrigue also remains around Stokes after he blew up at Marnus Labuschagne late on day 2, appearing to tell the Australian to “shut the f**k” up during the exchange.
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Stokes is particularly in hot water for placing his arm around Labuschagne during the tense moment, which could be a violation of the ICC code of conduct which prohibits “inappropriate physical contact”.
It’s unclear whether Stokes will be punished, although it’s worth noting India’s Akash Deep was not after he put his arm around Ben Duckett while sending him off after dismissing him in August.
Both Neser and England captain Joe Root were asked about the incident after day 2 and whether they had any insight as to what caused the boilover.
Root was uncertain, replying: “I want the goss as well”.
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‘He can get under your skin’ – Neser | 08:41
Neser, too, was unsure — but added that he was not surprised to see Labuschagne at the centre.
“Not a clue. I was stressing about my batting,” he said, adding: “He has a knack (of frustrating opponents).
“I think it’s just the fact that he’s such a strong competitor and he can get under your skin.
“It’s just Marnus for you.”
Labuschagne stole the headlines earlier in the day for bowling the pedestrian bumper that Jamie Smith somehow got out to. His shot has been described as “the worst of the series”.
But Neser said that Labuschagne was being sold short.
“He loves bowling,” Neser said. “Again, just a massive competitor. It’s not a surprise to us, because he’s actually done that role quite often in Shield cricket and got a fair few wickets bowling short.
“So it’s not like it’s just a fluke, he’s actually practised it.
“One thing about Marnus, his quicker balls are actually quite a lot quicker. I think you saw his paces, he was in the 130km/hs, and he can bowl anywhere from 112 to 130, so it’s quite hard to get a read on him when he’s going like that.”
FORMER TEST STAR UNLOADS
Day 3 starts with an incredible takedown from a former Australia star and NSW selector making waves in the background.
On day 2, Stuart Clark took aim at chair of selectors George Bailey, and other Cricket Australia figures, while speaking on ABC Grandstand.
The ABC commentary team were speaking about the non-selection of spinner Todd Murphy, and how Australian selections are made, when former coach Darren Lehmann set the scene.
Then Clark weighed in, and unloaded.
“James Allsop who runs the cricket in Australia, the head of cricket, community cricket is a grade club cricket coach that throws underarm balls to kids,” Clark said on the ABC.
“That’s what his background is. He’s a lovely guy, don’t get me wrong. But he now runs the whole of cricket. He can’t tell Andrew McDonald (Australian coach) or Steve Smith (captain) what to do.
“(Ben Oliver), he runs high performance cricket, but I’m not really sure what he does now.
“Then you have George who is the Chairman of Selectors. Does he have the gravitas or the leadership skills to tell Andrew McDonald and Steve Smith, or Pat Cummins what to do?”
Lehmann said “he should do” before Clark responded: “He should do, 100 per cent, but I don’t think he does.”
FAREWELL, RICHIES
After 15 brilliant years, the Richies — fans who dress up as former Aussie cricket doyen Richie Benaud — have called it a day.
Day two was the last time that the SCG saw the large group who dress in cream — or is it the bone, the white, the off-white, the ivory, or the beige? — suits and carry inflatable microphones, while celebrating 2:22pm.
“It’s the finale for the Richie’s today. We’ve had a marvellous innings and we want to go out on a high and there’s nothing bigger than the Ashes,” co-founder of the supporters’ group Michael Hennessy told the Daily Telegraph.
“It’s sad, because we love it, but also nothing lasts forever and you’ve got to know when to go.
“We wanted to go out with a full marvel of Richies, a whole bay, which we have. It’s been a great day.”
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