Alyssa Healy reckons England captain Ben Stokes could find himself in hot water with match officials after a fiery clash with Marnus Labuschange late on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG. Joe Root’s (160) second century of the series helped the tourists set a solid first innings total of 384 before Travis Head (91no) led Australia’s response as the hosts made it to stumps on 2-166, trailing by 218 runs.
But it was a physical confrontation between Stokes and Labuschange that had the cricket world talking afterwards and could land Stokes in trouble. The England skipper was clearly frustrated as Labuschange and Head chatted to the umpires with bad light and looming rain threatening to bring an early end to the day’s play.
Alyssa Healy thinks England captain Ben Stokes could be in hot water with match officials after making physical contact with Aussie batter Marnus Lubuschagne. Pic: Getty
The Aussie pair appeared keen to get back into the pavilion without losing any more wickets and looked to be questioning whether there was sufficient light to continue playing. It prompted an angry outburst from Stokes, who mouthed something towards Labuschange as he walked past during the change of overs, sparking a heated exchange of words.
At one stage, Stokes appeared to tell the Aussie batter to “shut the f**k up” before walking away to take his place in the field. But something Labuschange said caused Stokes to turn around and make a bee-line for his opponent, before the England captain wrapped his arm around Labuschagne’s neck and patted his chest.
“There was a little bit of fire,” Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket after stumps. “We haven’t seen a lot of anger or aggression or anything over the top during the series, it’s been played in quite a friendly spirit – but it just got a little bit heated and maybe it’s the fifth Test, everyone is getting a little bit tired.
“This little confrontation… the verbals started and we thought where has it been? It looked like it was done and dusted, a little bit of backchat… but something caught Stokes’ attention and he goes back to Marnus. He actually puts his arm around him. I don’t know if that was trying to diffuse the situation, but it still looked like it was pretty heated.”
Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne had an angry exchange late on day two at the SCG. Pic: Getty
Alyssa Healy says Ben Stokes might be sanctioned for incident
Australian women’s captain Healy agreed it was great theatre for viewers but suggested Stokes could be sanctioned for making physical contact with an opponent. “He might have a little trip to the match referee,” she said.
“This is what we expect in an Ashes series – none of that situation, but a bit of spice and heat and frustration at times. It probably just reflects the series for England so far, it has been a frustrating one and particularly for someone like Ben Stokes. You want to see the passion and aggression and this is what Marnus lives for.”
Stokes had the last laugh after dismissing Labuschagne for 48 moments later when the Aussie No.3 edged one to Jacob Bethell. That left Aussie nightwatchman Michael Neser and Head to navigate their way to stumps with eight wickets still in hand for the hosts.