At third slip, Labuschagne extended his hand for the grab for a single second before realising it was going to his colleague Smith. Labuschagne suddenly withdrew his hand, but fortunately for him Smith still succeeded in making the catch.
Smith watched in surprise as Marnus immediately apologised to Labuschagne after realising his error. Smith, clearly incensed by his slips partner’s behaviour, could be seen shaking his head and glaring at Labuschagne.
One pundit claimed Labuschagne needs to spread out because he was too close to Smith. “He always craves the ball, Marnus. Steve Smith, one of the best catchers in the game, is someone in whom he has a lot of faith “Channel 7’s announcer stated.
“Maybe push another foot wider. Marnus wants it, he is hungry for it. It is going straight to Steve Smith’s right hip. Marnus, if he was a foot wider it would have been more simple.”
Talking about the delivery, it was an absolutely peach. Scott Boland always gets something out of the wicket and that ball flew over the good lenth and took the edge of Theunis de Bruyn’s heavy handed feather.
Steve Smith holds on for his 150th catch in Tests!
But not before Marnus Labuschagne tried to get involved! 😅 #MilestoneMoments #AUSvSA | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/2Ckx5zRSeM
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2022
Steve Smith wasn’t aware of the ball because it flew fast of course, Marnus had made it difficult for him. But there was no better way to complete your 150th test catch in an animated fashion.
Shaun Pollock on commentry pannel said: “it’s a brilliant catch because Labuschagne goes across Steve Smith and it almost causes near of concern. He pulls out his hands at last minute. It’s taken brilliantly. He (Steve Smith) watches the ball right into his hands.”
The MCG had something to offer for bowlers, some deliveries kept low while other just took off. And that’s why this catch was more special because it wasn’t an easy grab but Steve Smith pounced it successfully.