Marnus Labuschagne said he never lost hope and belief in ‘miracles’ after his batting heroics in the World Cup 2023 final against India helped Australia win their record sixth World Cup title. Initially excluded from Australia’s 18-player provisional World Cup squad, Labuschagne was a last-minute addition, stepping in for Ashton Agar, who sustained a calf injury.
“It’s hard for me not to believe in miracles, and that there’s someone above putting the pieces together,” Labuschagne said after his unbeaten 58 in the World Cup final.
Labuschagne scored 362 runs across 10 innings, notching three fifties at an average of 40.22. In the crucial final match, he formed a pivotal 192-run partnership with Travis Head, securing their six-wicket triumph against India. Despite his exceptional performance, Labuschagne admitted that there was uncertainty regarding his position in the final playing eleven.
“Last night, 10 o’clock, the team hadn’t been announced yet. Didn’t know (if I was playing), I was sitting on my bed. And I was actually thinking: How can I add value then if I’m not playing? Maybe fielding?” he told cricket.com.au. “Then at quarter past 10, the team got sent out and it just said ‘same team’. So that was a bit of a relief.”
Following the initial exclusion, a wrist injury sidelining Steve Smith resulted in Labuschagne’s late addition to the squad for a five-match ODI series in South Africa. However, despite his inclusion, he was overlooked for the first game held in Bloemfontein.
“I think I was unofficially dropped five times, but played every game,” Labuschagne said.
“I wasn’t in the squad in South Africa. Someone got concussed, I got an opportunity, got some runs, pushed my case, got in the squad, played 19 games since the first South Africa (ODI) in a row.
“So it’s hard for me not to think, you know, as a man of faith, that there’s not someone else pulling the strings. I’m very thankful for the coaches and selectors for sticking by me… Luckily I got us over the line,” he added.
