WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne’s nap interrupted as Mohammed Siraj dismisses David Warner on Day 3 of WTC Final

Marnus Labuschagne was seen napping in the dressing room after India were dismissed for 296 in their first innings during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 Final. David Warner and Usman Khawaja opened the batting for the Aussies with Labuschagne padded up and ready to walk in at number three.

Probably, he did not except either of the wickets to fall so early and hence tried to take a quick power nap. Alas, he could not complete his nap as David Warner nicked Mohammed Siraj’s outswinger on to KS Bharat who took a sharp catch behind the stumps. Warner could only manage 1 off 8 balls.

Here’s the viral video of Marnus Labuschagne:

https://twitter.com/lpurushothamre1/status/1667168335463858176

India conceded a 173-run first-innings lead to Australia

Australia had previously scored 469 runs in the first inning, but the Indian bowlers were able to stop them. Mohammed Siraj continues to be India’s go-to bowler with 4/108. At the same time, Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket while Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur each returned to the field with two wickets. The Australian team’s show-stopper Travis Head, who finished with 163 from 174, was closely followed by Steve Smith, who got 121 off 268.

The two openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, gave India a strong start by scoring 30 runs without losing a wicket. Sadly, it was short-lived as India fell four runs adrift with 71 runs already scored as the top order collapsed. Despite putting in a commendable effort for his 48 off 51, Ravindra Jadeja was unable to organise the beginning of a noteworthy innings. After 512 days away from Test Cricket, Rahane managed 89 runs off 129 balls, including 11 fours and a maximum, to make an amazing comeback.

Shardul Thakur contributed 51 runs. But, India were bundled out for 296, conceding a lead of 173 from the first innings for Australia. Notably, the weather forecast for Days 4 and 5 of the WTC final is for rain. Rain might be India’s ally because, in the event of a tie, the Test Mace will be divided by the two champions rather than the team that won the most points.