Newly-appointed England Test captain Ben Stokes has been floored by an Australian paceman in the County Championship, but probably not the bowler you’d expect.
The Durham all-rounder was left reeling on the ground in agony after copping a nasty delivery from none other than Marnus Labuschagne, who was bowling medium pace in the first-class contest on Thursday.
Watch The 2022 Indian Premier League on Kayo. Every Match Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
Durham was 9/192 in the 59th over when Stokes attempted to pull a short delivery from Labuschagne through square leg, but the left-hander instead edged the Duke ball into the midriff.
The 30-year-old immediately collapsed to the deck and dropped his bat, moving his legs around to deal with the after-effects of the painful blow — Labuschagne offered a sheepish apology before Stokes gingerly returned to his feet a few seconds later.
However, Stokes got his payback by brutishly smacking two sixes off Labuschagne’s leg spin later that day.
Stokes was eventually removed by Australian veteran Michael Hogan for 82, edging a delivery through to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke.
The England Test skipper has been in devastating form since his appointment — last week, he smashed a belligerent 88-ball 161 against Worcestershire to rewrite the history books.
Labuschagne’s versatility with the ball has become a valuable weapon for Glamorgan this season, with his medium pace and leg spin both claiming wickets throughout the County Championship.
Last week, the Queenslander took 3/65 during Glamorgan’s six-wicket victory over Leicestershire, with his wrist spin accounting for three top-order scalps in Cardiff.
And last month, he claimed two wickets in the seven-wicket win over Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge bowling medium pace, including the dismissal of former England batter Ben Duckett.
In total, Labuschagne has taken seven wickets at 36.00 for Glamorgan this year, boasting a commendable strike rate of 56.4 with the ball.
Durham was eventually bowled out for 311, with Glamorgan losing two wickets before stumps was called in Chester-le-Street.
Labuschagne is unbeaten on 16 overnight, with Glamorgan captain David Lloyd not out at the other end on eight.