England captain Ben Stokes had a verbal spot on field during the second day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sudney. The duo traded words with each other just a few minutes beffore Stumps as the atmosphere got very tense at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The England captain was even seen telling Labuschagne to "shut the f*** up" at the end of the over. Though the incident resulted in the umpires coming together, but Stokes is unlikely to receive any sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The two eventually calmed down and Stokes even put his hand around the batter's shoulders as discussions between them continued.
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Under the International Cricket Council Code of Conduct, the England captain could technically be reprimanded under Clause 2.12 that deals with inappropriate physical contact. However, he is likely to escape any punishment as similar incidents in the past have led to ICC taking no action against the players involved.
Stokes had the last laugh
Stokes ended up having the final say on the field as he got rid of Labuschagne for 48 runs during the final few overs on Day 2. This led to the end of a 105-run stand between Travis Head and Labuschagne as Australia finished the day on 166/2. Australia pacer Michael Neser didn't make much of the incident, stating that Labuschagne is a very strong competitor and can get under the skin of opposing players due to his on-field actions.
“Not a clue. It’s just the fact that he’s such a strong competitor that he can get under your skin. It’s just Marnus for you," Neser told reporters after the end of Day 2.
Australia push England to the back-foot
Meanwhile, Australia came in to bat after England got bundled out for 384 runs in their first innings. Head continued his superb form in the series and played an explosive innings of 91 runs from just 87 deliveries as the hosts finished off Day 2 on 166/2, trailing 218 runs behind Stokes & Co. The left-hand batter will have the chance of registering his third century of the series as the action resumes on the third day.