Marnus Labuschagne spotted in strange moment as Aussies win Test series over West Indies

Marnus Labuschagne surprised cricket fans by wearing the keeper gloves in warm-up before the final day's play against the West Indies on Sunday, in a curious sign of the upcoming Aussie tactics. The home side were all out for 143 in Grenada, with Australia rolling the West Indies in just 34.3 overs to win the match and series thanks to a dazzling Mitchell Starc spell.

Defending a total of 277 runs, Starc took control of the series taking 3-28 in eight overs. Nathan Lyon chipped in with 3-42 to take down the tail as the 133-run victory helped Australia retain the Frank Worrell Trophy with a 2-0 triumph. 

Marnus Labuschagne (pictured right) is still helping the Aussie team out taking the gloves ahead of the day's play, while the Aussies sealed the Test series against the West Indies after a dazzling Mitchell Starc spell. (Images: Getty Images/@beastieboy07)

While the bowlers stole the show, Labuschagne's odd move ahead of the day's play certainly raised eyebrows. The dropped batter has been touring with the Aussie side, despite not making the XI after a lean run of form with the bat.

However, Labuschagne has been getting involved in the drills ahead of play and was once again seen sporting the wicket-keeping gloves on the morning of day four. Alex Carey resumed the batting for Australia in the morning and only added four runs to his total as he was dismissed for 30.

The Aussies then crumbled with the visitors only able to add 22 runs to start the day. But Labuschagne's appearance with the gloves suggested the Aussies were always going out to accelerate the scoring with one-eye on bowling. Cummins clearly didn't want Carey thinking about anything other than scoring runs, which saw Labuschagne step into the role.

Mitchell Starc (pictured) was the star of the second innings for Australia.

Despite Labuschagne getting involved in the drills and remaining around the squad, it appears Sam Konstas will get an extended stay in the side for Australia. Konstas has struggled so far on the tour, despite scoring 25 runs in the first innings.

Although a four-ball duck in the second innings has prompted more question marks over the Aussie top order heading into the Ashes. Cameron Green was able to finally post a half-century in the second innings for Australia to hand the 25-year-old some confidence, which all but appears to leave Labuschagne once again in limbo heading into the Ashes.

Cummins was thrilled with the team's victory, but also spent time supporting young opener Konstas. After making a long-awaited return after being dropped after the India series, Konstas has struggled for runs having scored 33 runs across four innings.

Konstas appeared shattered after his duck in Grenada, but Cummins has admitted the team is rallying around the youngster as he was welcomed back into the fold. "Don't get too caught up in it," Cummins said of his advice for Konstas after the duck. "Every innings feels like the biggest thing in the world.

"The stat is that the best batters in the world don't hit their average three out of four times, so you're going to fail more often than you're going to succeed. As long as you're a quick learner, as long as you're moving well and giving yourself the best chance, keep doubling down on that and judge yourself after a series, not innings by innings."

Sam Konstas (pictured left) walks off after a tough Test match.

Australia has the pink-ball Test against West Indies in Kingston and it will serve as the last match before the Ashes later this year. And Cummins reminded Konstas he needs to back himself with the coaching staff set to give Konstas and extended run in the team after the disappointment of the World Test Championship final.

"For anyone who's starting out their Test career, you're picked for a reason," Cummins added. "It's just about concentrating on what makes you a really good player."

This article originally appeared on Yahoo Sport Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/marnus-labuschagne-spotted-in-strange-moment-as-aussies-win-test-series-over-west-indies-234353286.html

Post Related