Marnus Labuschagne Retires Iconic Bat from World Cup Final Victory

Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has retired the bat used to score a crucial half-century in the 2022 ICC Cricket World Cup final against India. Labuschagne announced the retirement on social media, sharing a picture of the well-worn bat. He played a pivotal role, scoring 362 runs in the tournament.

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne announced on Monday that he has retired the bat he used to score a match-winning half-century in the ICC Cricket World Cup final against India in Ahmedabad last November. Labuschagne, a key member of Australia's batting line-up, shared an image of the visibly battered bat on social media.

Taking to Instagram, Labuschagne stated, "Think it's finally time to retire the World Cup final bat." In the final, Australia managed to restrict India to 240 runs, despite notable performances from Rohit Sharma (47), KL Rahul (66), and Virat Kohli (54). Mitchell Starc (3/55) and Pat Cummins (2/34) dismantled the Indian batting order. Australia, despite a rocky start at 47/3, secured their sixth 50-over title thanks to Travis Head (137*) and Labuschagne (58*).

Labuschagne's 110-ball knock, featuring four boundaries, provided the stability needed to complement Head's aggressive play. Throughout the tournament, Labuschagne played 11 matches, accumulating 362 runs at an average of 40.22, including three half-centuries, with a top score of 71.

Paving his way back into the national team, Labuschagne delivered remarkable performances during a series against South Africa in September, replacing an injured Ashton Agar. He has featured in eight matches this year across three ODIs and five Tests, amassing 266 runs at an average of 29.55, with a top score of 90.

(With inputs from agencies.)