Australian cricket legends Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden have lauded Marnus Labuschagne after he was involved in half of Australia's wickets against Bangladesh.
The Aussies managed to keep Bangladesh to 306 in their World Cup clash, with Labuschagne claiming two run outs and two catches.
Labuschagne managed to remove Najmul Hossain Shanto at 3-170 with a brilliant fielding effort as the batter attempted two.
EXCLUSIVE: 'I had to': The Nick Kyrgios you didn't know
READ MORE: OnlyFans star reveals 'huge jump' in racing return
READ MORE: Sri Lanka booted from ICC, entire board sacked
Retired Black Caps star Simon Doull described the Aussie livewire as the side's "best" after a poor start in the field during the opening games.
"He's been probably the best in the business for Australia throughout this tournament," he said on commentary.
"He has saved runs, he has taken catches and he has just pulled off a special run out, great turn, great throw."
Australian legend Hayden continued the praise for Labuschagne.
"He's got wheels hasn't he? That's the key, ground speed, the way that he moves laterally is really important," he said.
Watch every Australian Cricket World Cup match and other headline games live and free on Channel Nine and 9Now
"You cannot give enough credit to fielding efforts in World Cup's, they just matter.
"They're like net run rates, they creep up on you and they always matter in the end.
"Wonderful piece of turn and throw, a quick 'spot the target' and a direct throw at the stumps, right beside the wicket-keeper as well. Superb."
Labuschagne wasn't done after his first effort though.
The 29-year-old removed the dangerous Mahmudullah with a brilliant underarm throw which kept Hayden in awe.
"Superb piece of fielding here, look at the athletic ability, vision only on the ball until he gets it in the hand and then vision to the stumps," he said.
As Australia continued to pile on the wickets, Ponting put Labuschagne's superb performance in the field down to his mindset.
"It's awareness and attitude that separates the best fieldsmen to the guys that are just out there to stop the ball when it comes their way rather than wanting to get involved and wanting to make an impact on the game," he said of the Queenslander.
It continues a stunning rise for Labuschagne throughout the tournament after he was called in as a late replacement for Ashton Agar.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.