The heated argument between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26 caught the attention of cricket fans. Now former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has broken his silence on this entire incident and has told what was said between the two players on the field.
Tension increased in the third session of the second day
The incident occurred in the third and final session of the second day of the Test, when Labuschagne was building a good partnership with Travis Head. There was some heated exchange between Stokes and Labuschagne, which escalated so much that Mark Waugh, who was commentating, said, ‘I thought Stokes would take him in a headlock.’ However, Stokes later calmed the matter by placing his hand on Labuschagne’s shoulder.
Stokes got the last advantage
This debate ended in Stokes’ favor. The England captain himself bowled and dismissed Labuschagne for 48 runs. Stokes’ ‘death stare’ was captured on camera after the wicket fell, although he did not say much, because he knew the job was done.
Broad told what happened on the field
Before the start of the third day, Stuart Broad spoke to Ben Stokes and revealed the entire incident on 7Cricket. Broad said, ‘To be honest, it was Marnus Labuschagne’s mistake that he provoked a great competitor like Ben Stokes, that too when Stokes had the ball in his hands.’ Broad said, ‘I think it was an attempt to delay it a bit. Labuschagne was talking a lot, especially to his partner Travis Head.
‘We don’t need three umpires’
Broad also revealed the actual words of the conversation. He said, ‘I have spoken to Stokes this morning and by saying this I am not breaking anyone’s confidence. Labuschagne was saying – is it going to the leg side, or is it four runs. On this Stokes said- There are two umpires on the field, we do not need a third one.
England’s strategy was successful
According to Broad, all this was part of England’s strategy. He said, ‘This took Labuschagne out of his rhythm and routine. On the very next ball, Stokes bowled a slightly outside ball, Labuschagne went to play a drive and was out.
‘Labuschagne’s bad strategy’
Broad criticized Labuschagne, saying, ‘It worked for England, but I thought it was a poor game from Labuschagne, because he was the best batsman in this series.’ In this test, England scored 384 runs thanks to Joe Root’s 160 runs. In response, Travis Head responded strongly for Australia by scoring his third century of the series and scored more than 400 runs in his first innings.
