Australia stars Labuschagne and Khawaja confront England fan during Ashes Test

31 July 2023 , 10:33

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Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne took issue with comments from a fan during the final Ashes Test (Image: Twitter)

Australia stars Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja were involved in a spat with a fan during the final Ashes Test at the Oval.

As Australia left the field on day three, they walked past supporters in the stands on their way to the dressing room. And in a clip shared widely on social media, one fan can be heard shouting "Boring" at each Australian player as they pass.

However, both Labuschagne and Khawaja stop to confront the man, with Labuschagne asking: "What did you say? What did you say mate? Oi! Hey!" Khawaja then tells the fan: "Calm down, calm down."

The man then quickly backtracks and apologises to the pair, before an unhappy Labuschagne adds: "Well, you're just about to have a go at everyone else." At that point, Khawaja pushes Labuschagne away and they continue to walk back to the dressing room.

The incident comes mere weeks after three MCC members were suspended for furiously confronting the Australian team in the Long Room at Lord's following Jonny Bairstow's controversial stumping. Security were forced to intervene after Khawaja and other players reacted to the abuse and the 36-year-old opener has previously said he "can't believe" some of the stick that has come their way this series.

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Speaking before the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Khawaja said: "I mean, they [English crowds] are rough. But if you talk about it to England guys, they say we are equally as rough [when they go to Australia].

"I don't agree with it either way. I don't think it's the right thing to do. Personally if I am coming to the cricket and watching the cricket, I wouldn't want my kids to be around that. If I saw that I would 100 per cent make a complaint or just leave.

"I think some of the stuff can be pretty poor. Over at Edgbaston they were calling Travis Head a c***, you know what I mean? I'm like I can't believe you can actually say that in a public domain anywhere.

"It can be a little disappointing at times, and I think we can [also] take it too far in Australia. I'm not a big fan of it. I know watching a lot of sport and loving sport that it happens around the world.

"You watch the NBA, it happens there. Particularly when crowds can get real close to you, which they can in cricket. It is what it is, I don't agree with it. I have been playing my whole life, it doesn't bother me. And if it does, I will let them know.

Matthew Cooper