Marnus Labuschagne denied first Test century in 15 months by freakish ‘Superman’ catch as Kiwis fight back in Wellington
- Was hunting in the 12th century after meager running
- Played flawless cricket until the bizarre dismissal
- Australia are still on top in the second Test
The frustrating wait for a 12th Test century continues for Marnus Labuschagne thanks to some strange fielding that ended his charge in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
Labuschagne, playing his 50th Test, made an excellent 90 and looked set for a fighting ton until Glenn Phillips took a shout at gully to remove him.
New Zealand’s most athletic fielder dived at full speed to his right, threw out his right hand and hauled in the catch, much to the shock of cricket fans around the world.
It was a stunning dismissal, but a brutal way for Labuschagne to lose his wicket after playing largely flawless cricket all morning.
Labuschagne couldn’t believe his luck after being dismissed by the bizarre catch with his 12th Test century in sight
‘That was a blind spot from Glen Phillips to lose Marnus at 90. It couldn’t be better,” wrote one shocked cricket fan.
“Build the team around Glen Phillips. What an athlete. What a player,” another posted.
“Glen Phillips is my favorite cricketer for so many reasons,” added another.
Labuschagne top scored for the Australians with his challenging 90, his highest Test score in 15 strokes, after surviving an earlier LBW shout to reach his half-century.
The 29-year-old’s strike was a fine boost to a recent run of outs as he entered the Hagley Oval Test with six innings of ten runs or less.
He was dismissed at lunch with a score of 8-221, a 59-point lead, before the Australian tailenders took the total to 256, comfortably ahead of New Zealand’s 162 on day one.
The Kiwis had every reason to celebrate Labuschagne’s wicket as it got them back into the match after the Aussies threatened to knock them out
Australia’s lead came thanks to a great drive from Henry, who finished 7-67 on his home ground.
Henry added night watchman Nathan Lyon (20) and Mitch Marsh (duck) to his daily scalp before lunch.
After the main break he dismissed Mitchell Starc (28) behind and Pat Cummins (23) lbw for the second seven-wicket effort of his career.
The 32-year-old, who bats at nine, is both New Zealand’s leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker from the two-Test series.
In response, New Zealand were 1-43 at tea.
Australia led the two-Test series 1-0 after a 172-run win at Wellington’s Basin Reserve last week, and have already retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy.