Marnus Labuschagne Falls Short of Ton as Phillips Takes Stunning Catch

Marnus Labuschagne fell agonizingly short of a century in the second Test against New Zealand, dismissed by a sensational diving catch from Glenn Phillips moments before lunch.

Labuschagne, who had been the mainstay of the Australian batting, was on 90 when he nicked a delivery from Tim Southee outside off stump. With the boundary ropes beckoning, a diving Phillips flung himself full-length to his right at point and snaffled the ball one-handed.

The dismissal left Labuschagne, his teammates, and the commentators stunned. The catch, described by Ian Bishop as “a beauty” and a “spectacular breakthrough” for the Black Caps, was Labuschagne’s first Test dismissal since the Ashes last June. It was also his highest score in his last 15 innings.

“That’s the only bloke in the team who could’ve taken that catch,” remarked former New Zealand captain Craig McMillan in commentary, highlighting the exceptional nature of Phillips’ effort.

SUPERMAN! 🦸 What a catch from Glenn Phillips! Australia are 221/8 at lunch on Day 2 🏏@BLACKCAPS v Australia: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/Swx84jNFZb

— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 9, 2024

The wicket was the result of a tactical shift by Southee and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. Labuschagne had been batting outside his crease to counter the swing and bounce, but Southee called Blundell up to the stumps, forcing the batsman into his crease.

This slight adjustment may have contributed to the ball taking a higher bounce and finding the edge of Labuschagne’s bat.

Labuschagne’s dismissal brought an end to a mixed session for Australia. Resuming at 124/4, they lost night-watchman Nathan Lyon cheaply before Alex Carey and Labuschagne steadied the innings. However, Carey was dismissed by Phillips just before Labuschagne’s heart-breaking exit.

The lower order made fine contribution to the scoreboard and Australia 256 run on board with 94 runs lead. The third inning for New Zealand started well as they added 100 runs for the loss of one wicket.

However, against the run of play, Australian skipper Pat Cummins disimissed Kane Williamson who had scored gritty half-century.  New Zealand will need to bat really well in order to put some pressure on Australian bowlers.

The story of the day was Marnus Labuschagne picking up his form. It took him some time to get the best out of him but he chose the right occasion, Australia were in trouble and it was due on a top order batter to play throughout the innings.