Image Source: Mohammed Siraj gatecrashed Marnus Labuschagne's sleep (Screengrab)
Typically, a batsman, especially a No. 3 batsman in Test cricket, must be alert and ready to bat when the two opening batsmen of their team walk out to the crease. However, Marnus Labuschagne apparently does not subscribe to this theory, as he was caught napping - literally - when David Warner and Usman Khawaja began Australia's second innings of the World Test Championship final. This happened after the Indian team was bowled out for 296, thanks to a brave fightback from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur, who both scored gritty half-centuries.
With Australia already 173 runs ahead, David Warner and Usman Khawaja came to bat with the intention of extending their lead. However, while the Indian team was also eager to make a comeback, Marnus Labuschagne took a short nap in the team balcony. The camera caught him with his eyes closed for almost 20 seconds, which surprised everyone.
Labuschagne's nap was abruptly ended when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Warner for India's first breakthrough. Siraj had beaten Warner twice outside off in the same over, and on the third delivery, he managed to find the edge of the bat. The ball went straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper KS Bharat.
The cameras immediately panned towards Labuschagne, who was by then getting ready to bat. A better angle showed that he had been woken up by the roar of the crowd. Siraj had once again struck with the new ball, and Labuschagne was wide awake now.
On his arrival to the crease, Mohammed Shami welcomed Labuschagne with a short-pitched delivery that climbed on him. The ball hit Labuschagne on the gloves, and he dropped his bat and jumped in pain. However, no damage was done, and Labuschagne went on to score a valuable 50 runs.
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