‘Fair to say that was no run’: Marnus’ perfect response after ‘devastating’ error

Sometimes a picture tells a thousand words.

Just show Marnus Labuschagne, who cut a dejected, forlorn figure after running himself out for a duck on the first morning of the second Test on Saturday.

On Friday, Labuschagne was like a child before Christmas.

“As always, hitting as many balls as I can to prep for the game and absolutely loving it. Can’t wait to get out there,” he wrote on Twitter.

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Less than 24 hours later, the world’s No.1 batsman was seething as he was forced to go for just his second duck in his career and first since debuting against Pakistan in 2018.

“No worse feeling, first-innings duck,” former Australian opener Simon Katich said in commentary.

“He’s not looking too happy at the moment Marnus.”

“That’s an understatement,” ex-England batter Rob Key responded.

“Devastated,” agreed Katich in the end.

While David Warner earlier fell to a brilliant piece of bowling, the Karachi wicket was flat and slow and primed for batting.

Labuschagne, however, did not give himself time to enjoy batting out in the centre as he attempted to pinch a quick single to mid-off but ended up being run out superbly by Sajid Khan.

He could eventually see the funny side after play, not taking himself too seriously as he tweeted: “Yep.. fair to say that was no run.”

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The right-hander will have to wait for another opportunity to register his maiden century outside of Australia.

“When you win the toss and you end up batting on a pitch like this, which is pretty true and you get yourself run out, you can see why he’s so unhappy,” Key said.

“It’s funny, as soon as he got run out, the first thing I thought was what’s the point in making your own spinning thing at your house with the mats and everything and running yourself out for a nought.”

Labuschagne’s departure left Australia 2-92 on the stroke of lunch, with Usman Khawaja continuing his rich form as he posted consecutive half-centuries to start the series.

The doubt strike left the game in the balance, with former Australian opener Andrew Symonds believing Pakistan just had their noses in front.

“Marnus, you can see the disappointment on his face, take your shoelaces kind of stuff,” he said.

“I think Pakistan are slightly in front because Australia will be looking to make 400-plus on that surface to apply some pressure on them when it’s their time to bat.

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