Marnus Labuschagne has become an instant meme after the Aussie batter was caught out by the cameras in an unthinkable state.
The Australian number three looked as peaceful as can be as he enjoyed a nap in the Aussie team’s sitting area midway through day three of the final against India.
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It might have been the Aussies dominant position in the match that had Labuschagne in such a relaxed state as they entered their second innings with a 173-run lead.
Only problem was, he was next in to bat. And just moments after the TV cameras exposed his little kip, David Warner lost his wicket.
Labuschagne looked slightly startled as his daydreams were interrupted and he realised he had an appointment at the centre of The Oval.
Former Aussie opening batsman and coach Justin Langer couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
Asked if he’d ever be relaxed enough to nod off while being next man in, Langer said in commentary: “No chance in the world. I would be ready, listening to music and dancing around. That is classic. He looks like one of the English supporters who has had a couple of pints and got a bit sun burnt. He is having a nice rest there.”
Marnus Labuschagne appeared to be asleep when David Warner lost his wicket. Picture: Channel 7
Warner nicked off Mohammed Siraj and the Indian supporters going up as one acted as an alarm clock for Labuschagne.
As he maded his way to the middle, the commentators were still giggling about the hilarious scenes.
Harsha Bhogle said: “Marnus Labuschagne at number 3, that is one of the more extraordinary arrivals to the crease that you will see. Are you awake, Marnus? Have you brushed your teeth? Have you had a coffee?”
Langer added: “The appeal of the crowd, there’s the alarm! Oh, I’m up and going. I will brush my teeth, a quick espresso coffee to get me going and now he’s got to face his first ball.”
Siraj ensured Labuschagne was wide awake as he continued a testing spell, striking the Queenslander on the gloves.
The Aussie was also lucky to survive a running between the wickets mix-up with batting partner Usman Khawaja, when they both ended up at the striker’s end but survived when the Indian fielder threw the ball to the wrong end.
But from there Marnus was Marnus as he scrapped and fought his way to finish unbeaten on 41 at stumps as the rest of the top order fell around him.
Australia was 4/123 – in a safe position 296 runs ahead but with some work to do to bat India completely out of the game.