'It was a mistake' - Stuart Broad reveals what led to heated exchange between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has revealed the details of the heated exchange between Ben Stokes  and Marnus Labuschagne that unfolded during the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground. The incident during the final session of play saw the two players engaging in a verbal confrontation before Stokes eventually dismissed the Australian batter. The feud occurred when Marnus was batting with Travis Head and building a steady partnership. England, searching for a breakthrough, appeared to raise their intensity, which led to a verbal battled between Stokes and Labuschagne. The moment was tense enough to prompt former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh, who was on commentary, to remark, “Thought he (Stokes) would put him in a headlock.” Despite the animated exchange, the situation cooled quickly, with Stokes putting his arm around Labuschagne’s shoulder as the discussion ended. However, the England captain had the last laugh moments later when he dismissed Labuschagne, inducing a loose drive outside off stump. After taking the wicket, Stokes offered a prolonged stare in Labuschagne’s direction. Speaking  on 7Cricket ahead of Day 3, Broad explained what was said between the two players, clarifying that the exchange did not cross any lines.

“I think it was a mistake from Marnus Labuschagne, to be honest, to rev up Ben Stokes, one of the great competitors of all time, really, and Stokes had the ball in his hand. I think there was a bit of a delaying tactic, I think Labuschagne was maybe talking quite a bit out there, particularly to Travis Head, his partner,” said Broad on 7Cricket. “I've chatted to Stokes this morning. I'm not breaking any trust by saying this. It was Marnus who was saying, Oh, that's going down a leg, or that's four runs, and he said, We've got two umpires out here, we don't need three. So it was all quite polite, but what happens is, it got Labuschagne out of his bubble, and that's a plan of England, get him out of routines, and the next ball Ben Stokes bowls, he drives at one that's a bit wide, moves away, and he's out,” he added.

Broad was critical of Labuschagne for allowing himself to be drawn into the confrontation, calling it "poor play" from the Australian batter. He felt that Labuschagne had been batting fluently until that moment and had little reason to engage in a verbal duel and spoil his rhythm.

“It sort of worked for England, for Ben Stokes to get into that competitive spirit, but I thought it was a poor play from Marnus, because Marnus was playing as nicely as he had done in the series,” said Broad.

The incident came during an engrossing Test match in which England posted 384 in the first innings, riding on the back of a splendid 160 from Joe Root. Australia responded strongly with Travis Head continuing his fine form, registering his third century and becoming the first batter to cross the 500-run mark in an Ashes  series with a 75-plus strike rate.