Ashes 2025-26 : Ben Stokes involves in war of words with Marnus Labuschagne on Day 2 of SCG Test

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The Ashes rivalry rarely needs extra fuel, but on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne poured gasoline on the fire. In a series already defined by intense competition, tensions finally boiled over in a dramatic late-afternoon confrontation. The incident saw the England captain and the Australian No. 3 locked in a heated exchange involving colorful language and an unusually physical confrontation that immediately became the biggest talking point of the match.

The backdrop to the incident was a grinding final session on Day 2. Australia were looking to build a substantial first-innings lead, and Labuschagne was doing what he does best: occupying the crease and irritating the opposition with his unique mannerisms. As the session wore on, the light over Sydney began to fade. Labuschagne, ever the perfectionist regarding batting conditions, began complaining to the umpires and repeatedly pulling away from his stance as bowlers approached the crease.

For Stokes, who was bowling a tireless spell and desperate to take wickets before the close of play, these delay tactics became increasingly infuriating. The atmosphere grew tense with every aborted run-up and every complaint about the light. The dam finally broke during a Stokes over. After continued chirping and stalling from the Australian batter, the England captain snapped. The stump microphones left little to the imagination, clearly picking up Stokes aggressively telling Labuschagne to “shut the f* up.”**

However, the incident didn’t end with a verbal volley. In a move that stunned viewers and commentators alike, Stokes walked directly up to Labuschagne in the middle of the pitch and wrapped his arm tightly around the batter’s neck and shoulder area. While some might attempt to frame it as a friendly gesture, the body language was anything but friendly. On commentary, former Australian star Mark Waugh immediately noted the aggression, remarking that for a second, he thought Stokes was about to put Labuschagne in a ‘headlock.’

Things got pretty heated 👀#Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Travis Head decimate England on Day 3 of the Sydney Test

Just moments after the verbal spray and physical contact, Stokes charged in to bowl his very next over. Channeling his aggression into his delivery stride, he induced a crucial edge from Labuschagne. The catch was taken sharply at gully, dismissing the Australian for 48 and ending a dangerous partnership with Travis Head.

Meanwhile, Australia tightened their grip on Day 3 of the Test after a compelling post-lunch session that yielded 96 runs from 26 overs but also saw three important wickets fall. Head’s century continued to loom large over the contest, even though he was dismissed early in the session, caught off guard by a sharp delivery from Jacob Bethell. Usman Khawaja then joined Steve Smith for a largely sedate passage of play as England toiled hard with the old ball, before opting to take the second new ball immediately after it became available. The move paid dividends as Brydon Carse trapped Khawaja lbw with a low full toss, and Alex Carey’s positive intent once again proved costly as he fell to the leg-stump trap for the third time in as many Tests this series.

Smith, however, has been solid as a rock at the crease, and with Cameron Green still searching for runs and Beau Webster and Mitchell Starc to follow, Australia remain in a strong position. That said, with signs of uneven bounce already visible, the hosts will be keen to push for a significant lead, knowing that batting last on this surface could be a tricky proposition.

Also READ: Ricky Ponting selects Australia’s 16-man squad for Ashes 2027; picks two uncapped players