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Stokes' Fiery Exchange with Labuschagne Was England's Tactical Plan: Broad

Former England bowler Stuart Broad revealed that captain Ben Stokes' on-field confrontation with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne was a calculated tactic to disrupt his concentration. The incident occurred after Travis Head struck consecutive boundaries, escalating tension during the Ashes Test. Commentators like Mark Waugh and Brett Lee reacted to the physical nature of the exchange, which involved Stokes putting his arm around Labuschagne's shoulders. The clash may be reviewed under the ICC Code of Conduct for inappropriate physical contact.

Key Points: Stokes-Labuschagne Clash: England's Tactical Plan Revealed

  • Stokes confronted Labuschagne between overs
  • Broad says clash was deliberate England tactic
  • Incident could attract ICC Code of Conduct scrutiny
  • Exchange became major talking point among commentators
2 min read

England's plan to get Labuschagne out of his bubble: Broad on Stokes' fiery exchange

Stuart Broad reveals Ben Stokes' fiery exchange with Marnus Labuschagne was a deliberate England tactic to break the batter's focus during the Ashes.

"It got Marnus Labuschagne out of his bubble and that's a plan of England's. - Stuart Broad"

Sydney, Jan 6

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad offered insight into fiery exchange between English captain Ben Stokes and Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne, suggesting it was no accident but rather visitor's tactic to disrupt Labuschagne's focus.

After an earlier flashpoint between Jofra Archer and Steve Smith, the latest incident unfolded on Monday, when a visibly frustrated Stokes confronted Labuschagne between overs. The moment came shortly after Travis Head had taken Stokes apart, striking consecutive boundaries and further adding to the tension.

It looked as if Labuschagne had infuriated Stokes after the Aussie batter appeared to back away from his crease during Stokes' run-up.

As Stokes passed the Australian batter, he exchanged words with Labuschagne and gestured towards him, escalating the confrontation. Stokes then turned and approached the Aussie, putting his arm around his shoulders in a seemingly harsh manner. They exchanged words before the umpire intervened, after which they parted ways.

"This (gesture) of 'three'. I chatted to Stokesy this morning, I'm not breaking any trust by saying this. Marnus was saying 'oh that's going down leg', 'or 'that's four runs. He (Stokes) was saying, 'we've got two umpires out here, we don't need three'.

"It was all quite polite, but what happens is it got Marnus Labuschagne out of his bubble and that's a plan of England's," Broad explained on Channel 7.

"I thought he was going to get him in a headlock there," Mark Waugh said while commentating on Fox Cricket, while Brett Lee described the moment as "a little bit of a neck squeezer."

The incident quickly became a talking point across broadcasters. Joe Root, speaking on Fox Cricket, quipped, "I want the goss as well," while Australian all-rounder Michael Neser suggested Labuschagne's competitive nature often provokes such reactions. "He's such a strong competitor and can get under your skin. It's just Marnus for you," the seamer stated.

The exchange may attract official attention, and Stokes could face scrutiny under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The "neck squeezer" description is concerning. There's a difference between a verbal sledge and physical contact. The ICC should look at this. We want competitive cricket, not playground bullying.
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Arjun K
Haha, Labuschagne is always in his own world, constantly talking! Stokes just gave him a taste of his own medicine. "We don't need three umpires" is a brilliant line 😂. This is why the Ashes is so entertaining to watch.
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Priyanka N
Respectfully, I think the focus is wrong. The article says Travis Head had just hit consecutive boundaries. Maybe England's plan should be to bowl better, not to try and squeeze the opponent's neck? Just a thought.
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Vikram M
This is Test cricket at its best! The mental battle is half the game. Indian players face this all the time overseas. It shows character how you respond. Hope the officials don't overreact and sanitize the contest.
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Karan T
Broad explaining the plan on TV is interesting. Isn't that giving away tactics for future matches? Or maybe it's a double bluff! Either way, as a neutral, loving the drama 🍿.

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