Marnus Labuschagne takes a screamer to dismiss Khaya Zondo in Boxing Day Test match

Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test (Source: Twitter)

Australia and South Africa drew swords against each other in the second Test of the series which was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The toss went Australia’s way and they opted to bowl first. The pitch at the MCG looked like a wicket that provided a good balance between bat and ball. However, the rampant Aussie attack bowled out the Proteas for only 189 on the opening day.

The South Africans were not able to erase their scars from the first Test as the top order had a jittery start with the bat yet again. Dean Elgar batted his way to 26 before he was run out by Marnus Labuschagne. Sarel Erwee made 18 off 31 balls with three fours before he fell to Scott Boland for 18.

Theunis De Bruyn scored 12 off 31 balls before he was dismissed by Cameron Green. Temba Bavuma did not last long as he was shown the door by Starc. The Proteas were reeling at 58-4. Then there was more misery piled on South Africa when Khaya Zondo fell to Mitchell Starc for just 5 off 19.

Starc dismissed Zondo in the third ball of the 29 over

Starc bowled a full ball that was wide outside the off stump, The full-length delivery drew Zondo into the drive, the feet did not move but he had nailed the drive and hit the ball to the left of cover where Labuschagne was positioned. This was when Labuschagne took a catch for the ages.

Here is the video

Leaping Labuschagne! Sensational #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/7gVzTWC6s7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2022

He was superbly quick on his feet and reacted swiftly. He moves like lightning to his left, leaps and gets to the ball with two hands. The ball struck and he ensured that the ball did not fall from his hands as he hit the ground. This was an outstanding effort from Labuschagne.

South Africa then hit back at Australia to get back into the match courtesy of half-centuries from wicketkeeper batter Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen who scored 52 off 99 balls with three fours and 59 off 136 balls with 10 fours. Then Cameron Green put Australia in front by scalping the wickets of both Jansen and Verreynne. South Africa were 186-7 at the time of writing.