Ashes 2025-26: Stuart Broad reveals the ‘truth’ behind verbal altercation between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne

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The final Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has reached a boiling point. While Australia dominated Day 3 to reach 518/7, the international spotlight remains fixed on the high-voltage confrontation between England captain Ben Stokes and Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne. The exchange, which saw a frustrated Stokes physically confront Labuschagne by placing a hand around his shoulder, highlighted the mounting tension as England fought to break a defiant Australian top order.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has provided the definitive inside account of the fiery exchange, revealing that it was a calculated effort to rattle Labuschagne. Speaking on January 6, 2026, Broad explained that he spoke with Ben Stokes before the start of Day 3 to clarify the ‘inside story.’

Broad detailed that Labuschagne had been acting as an unofficial third umpire, which pushed Stokes to his limit. Broad noted that Labuschagne’s attempts to talk to his partner, Travis Head, and his constant chatter were met with a blunt response from the England skipper.  Broad added, emphasizing that getting the batter out of his bubble was the primary objective of England’s psychological warfare.

“I’ve chatted to Stokes this morning. I’m not breaking any trust by saying this. It was Marnus who was saying, ‘Oh, that’s going down leg’ or ‘That’s four runs’, and Stokes replied, ‘We’ve got two umpires out here, we don’t need three. So it was all quite polite, but what happens is it got Labuschagne out of his bubble, and that’s a plan of England – get him out of his routines. The very next ball Ben Stokes bowls, he drives at one that’s a bit wide, moves away, and he’s out,” Broad said on 7Cricket.

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The confrontation reached its peak late on Day 2 when Stokes, visibly incensed by Labuschagne’s delaying tactics, walked up and wrapped an arm around the Australian’s shoulder. According to witnesses and lip-readers, the exchange was far from friendly, with Stokes reportedly telling Labuschagne to ‘shut the f* up’ after the batter continued to argue about the fading light. Commentary from Ricky Ponting on Channel 7 suggested Stokes was also heard saying, “Three times, three times you’ve done it to me,” referring to Labuschagne backing away during the bowler’s run-up.

While the ‘neck-squeezer’ gesture drew criticism from Australian legends like Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist, the plan ultimately bore fruit. On the very next ball after the heated exchange, a distracted Labuschagne played a loose drive and was caught at gully for 48. Despite this tactical win, Australia’s middle order took full advantage of a fatiguing England attack on Day 3. Travis Head hammered a dominant 163, while Steve Smith showcased his idiosyncratic best with an unbeaten 129*, guiding Australia to a massive 134-run lead at stumps.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Fans go wild as Steve Smith lights up SCG with 37th century in Test cricket