There’s been a bit of chatter out in the middle between Ben Stokes and the Australian batters, with the England skipper firing off some explosive words to Marnus Labuschagne.
It appears the Queensland batter infuriated Stokes after he appeared to walk up the wicket to do some gardening on the pitch, just as Stokes was about to start his run up.
It appeared Labuschagne had also spoken to the umpires on multiple occasions, appearing to ask them how the light was looking, as Australia looked to get to Stumps without losing another wicket.
Ricky Ponting, speaking on Channel 7, believes Stokes had said to Labuschagne: ‘Three times, three times you’ve done it to me.’
Stokes looked furious at Labuschagne, before the England batter approached him and wrapped his arm around the Aussies’ neck, appearing to whisper something in his ear.
Stokes also appeared to tell Labuschagne to ‘shut the f*** up’ when the Aussie batsman began to talk back.
Tempers quickly dissapated, with Stokes turning his back and walking away from the Aussie duo as play continued.
