Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne in spicy clash as final Test heats up - ‘He likes to talk all the time’
Published 05/01/2026 at 11:53 GMT
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On a fascinating day of Ashes cricket, there was a particularly interesting moment between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne. As both sides wrestle for the final piece of bragging rights on offer, no quarter was given on the second day of action at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But who had the last laugh? Watch every ball of the Ashes live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
‘Leave it to the lip readers’ – Tempers flare between Stokes and Labuschagne on Day 2
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tempers flared on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test as England captain Ben Stokes clashed with Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne.
The Ashes series might be over, but there is still plenty on the line in Sydney and the fifth Test was given some extra spice during the hosts’ first innings.
After Joe Root’s masterful knock of 160, England were eventually bowled all out for 384, but through Travis Head, Australia responded emphatically on a pitch that was proving to be something of a batter’s paradise.
Stokes eventually broke up the opening partnership by removing Jake Weatherald, before Labuschagne arrived at the crease.
And after a few nibbles at each other, Stokes decided to bite back as the pair exchanged heated words at close quarters.
"Ben Stokes [is] a fiery character on the pitch as we know," Steven Finn said on commentary for TNT Sports. "Maybe Marnus Labuschagne [gave] one bit of commentary too much for the England captain.
"He likes to talk all the time, it was a bit of a ‘shut up’ there from Ben Stokes.
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Highlights: Australia respond strongly on Day 2 after Root’s sublime century
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Sometimes as a bowler when you see red, you see red. We’ll leave that to the lip readers I think. I’m sure it’s all amicable in the end."
What the clash was over remains unknown, but it could have been related to the fading light. At the end of a long day and with the ball doing very little, Stokes appeared eager to have stumps called at the earliest possible opportunity to halt the Australian momentum.
Whatever the case, the England captain had the last laugh in this mini-battle, removing Labuschagne to give England a much-needed boost ahead of the third day, which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Australia will resume on 166-2, trailing England by 218 runs in a Test that finally looks like going the distance.
- Finn hits out at 'brainless' Smith after throwing wicket away to Labuschagne before lunch
- Cook reveals 'zero contact' made amid talk of England role under McCullum - 'Let’s just see'
Two of the matches in this Ashes series, the first Test in Perth and fourth Test in Melbourne, only lasted two days.
Root had not made a century in an Ashes Test in Australia until this series, but has now made two.
Tis latest century brings Root's career tally up to 41 Test hundreds, drawing him level with Ricky Ponting on the all-time list, with only Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar (51) ahead of him.
Watch every ball of the Ashes live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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