Marnus Labuschagne replaced Steven Smith for Australia in the second Ashes Test against England in August 2019, becoming the first player to be a concussion substitute in Test cricket.

Australia won the first Test played at Edgbaston by 251 runs. After this, the second match of Ashes 2019 was played between these two teams at Lord’s Cricket Ground. England was all out for 258 runs in the first innings of the second Test. This was Steve Smith’s first Test series after a ban of 12 months. Steve Smith scored 92 runs in the first innings of the first Test played between these two teams and was awarded the Player of the Match award.

However, when Steve Smith was batting on 80 runs, a bouncer from Jofra Archer hit his neck. Immediately after this, Steve Smith fell on the ground. Many people were shocked to see this condition of Steve Smith. The doctor’s team and physio immediately came on the field and started examining Steve Smith thoroughly. However, after scoring 12 more runs, Steve Smith retired hurt and returned to the pavilion.

Australia used the ICC’s concussion substitute rule quite well and Marnus Labuschagne came in to bat in place of Smith in the middle of the Test match. According to this rule, the concussion substitute player can bat as well as bowl. Labuschagne made a significant contribution of 59 runs in the second innings, although the match ended in a draw due to rain.

Marnus Labuschagne won the hearts of many by his brilliant batting

Let us tell you, before becoming a concussion substitute, this great player had participated in only 6 Test matches. Labuschagne came to bat when Australia had lost three wickets for 47 runs and they had to chase the target of 267 runs. However, Marnus Labuschagne made an important partnership of 85 runs with Travis Head.

Labuschagne’s performance was praised by many. The series ended in a 2-2 draw. Since then Marnus Labuschagne has been one of the important players of the Australian Test team.