Marnus Labuschagne, one of Australia's star batsmen in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against India, has announced the retirement of his iconic bat.
This was the same bat that Labuschagne used to score a patient 58 off 110 balls in the final. His innings, combined with Travis Head's aggressive approach, led Australia to a memorable win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19.
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What did Marnus Labuschagne say while bidding farewell to the bat?
Labuschagne's bat, which had seen him through many matches, including the World Cup final, had become worn out. The Australian batter took to social media to express his emotions, stating, "I think it's finally time to retire this bat."
His decision comes after months of use, during which the bat helped him achieve significant milestones.
During the World Cup final, Labuschagne scored a steady knock in a match-winning 192-run partnership with Travis Head. Although he had a close call when an umpire’s decision saved him from being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah, Labuschagne's determination helped guide Australia to win.
He later shared that he felt lucky to have been included in the playing XI, not knowing until the last moment that he would be in the final.
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What's next for Marnus Labuschagne?
Labuschagne's next international appearance will be in the upcoming five-ODI series against England, starting on September 19 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. This series marks the beginning of Australia's preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.